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GOSPEL  SONNETS: 

/ 

0    R>  At  ,**- 

4PP 

SPIRITUAL  SONGS. 

In     SIX     PARTS. 

I.  The  Believer's  Espovsals. 
II.  The  Believer's  Jointure. 

III.  The  Believer's  Riddle. 

IV.  The  Believer's  Lodgikg, 
V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy. 

VI.  The  Believer's  Principles, 

Concerning 

Creation  and  Redemption. 

Law  and  Gospel. 

Justification  and  SanctificaTion. 

Faith  and  Sense. 

Heaven  and  Earth. 

r 

By  the  late  Mr.  RAL  PH    E  R  S  K I N  E, 

Miniiter  of  the  Gofpel  at  Dunfermline, 

Firft  Amerkan  Edition,  from  the  Twenty-third  Britifh, 


PHILADELPHIA, 

Printed  and  fold  by  John  M'Culloch,  Np.  i,  North 

Third-Jireet. — 1793. 


IF  the  number  of  editions  of  any 
performance,  be  a  mark  of  public  appro- 
bation,   Mr.   Erfkine's    Gofpel   Sonnets 
have  a  claim  to  that  diftinftion,  and  they 
may  be  ranked  amonglt  thofc  of  general  e- 
Jteem  and  ufefidnefs  ;  few  books  have  been 
fo  often  printed  in  the  fame  fpace  of  time. 
"Every  thing  is  to  be  found  in  the  preftnt 
edition,  that  has  appeared  in  the  mofl  ap- 
proved copies  of  the  Gofpel  Sonnets.     Mr. 
Erfkine's  Pcems,  as  Dr.  Bradbury  fays, 
are  greatly  to  be  ejleemed ;  and  above  all, 
for  that  which  animates  the  whole,  the  fa- 
vour of  divine  and  experimental  knowledge* 


PREFACE, 

Reader, 

WHATEVER  apologies  this  book  lias  for- 
merly been  prefaced  with,  (as  to  the  man- 
ner in  which  many  lines  in  It  are  written),  (hall  be 
here  altogether  dropt  and  forborn.  I  now  difmifs  it 
as  it  is,  under  the  conduct  of  divine  providence, 
to  take  its  hazard  in  the  world  ;  fince  it  has  alrea- 
dy fcived  its  apprenticeship  under  feveral  impref*- 
lions,  and  gone  both  through  kind  and  hard  ufage, 
through  good  report  and  bad  report.  It  never 
promifed  much  to  them  that  ftek  nothing  but 
pleafure  and  fatisfaflion  to  their  fancy  ;  but  I 
have  heard,  that  it  has  done  fome  fervice  (and,  I 
hope,  through  the  bleffing  of  Heaven,  it  may  yet 
do  more)  to  them  that  fcek  profit  and  edification 
to  their  fouls. 

The  late  edition  of  this  book  at  London,  bzivg 
more  full  and  complete  than  any  that  was  formerly 
emitted,  it  is  fit  here  to  acquaint  the  reader,  that 
tills  is  printed  exactly  off  the  London  copy,  with- 
out any  material  addition  cr  alteration,  except  in. 
the  third  part  of  the  book,  that  comes  under  the 
name  of  Riddles,  or  myfteries ;  and  Part,  VI. 
Chap.  ii.  Seel:,  i.  intitled,  The  believer's  princi- 
ples, concerning  the  myfteries  of  ike  law  end  go f pel ; 
both  of  which  (becaufc  there  were  feveral  demands 
in  this  country  for  a  new  adition)  1  thought  fit  con- 
firm by  fcripture-texts,  cited  at  the  bottom  of  the 
page,  for  the  benefit  of  thofe  that  arc  weak  in 


b  PREFACE. 

knowledge,  and  unacquainted  with  the  fcripture  *, 
I  have  directed  them  by  a  letter  of  the  alphabet, 
at  every  branch  of  the  fentence  that  is  either  feem- 
ingly  or  really  oppofite  to  the  other,  unto  force 
icriptural  text,  one  or  more,  for  evincing  the  truth 
thereof:  by  which  means  the  weakeft  that  is  wil- 
ling, may  come  to  underftand  the  moil  difficult 
paradox,  or  myftery,  mentioned  in  this  work  ;  at 
lead  fo  far  as  to  fee,  that  every  part  of  it  is  found- 
ed on  the  word  cf  God,  either  directly,  or  by 
plain  and  neceflary  confequence.  Only  this  gener- 
al rule  is  to  be  obferved,  namely,  That  the  reader 
always  confider  what  is  the  fubjedt  treated  in  every 
fe&ion  or  ilanza  ;  and  this,  for  the  fake  of  the 
more  illiterate,  I  (hall  illuftrate  by  two  examples, 
the  one  concerning  the  Aztju,  the  other  concerning 
the  believer.  The  former  you  fee  Part  HI.  Sect. 
Yi,   ver.   25. 

I'm  not  cblig'd  to  keep  it  more  ; 
Yet  more  oblig'd  than  e'er  before. 

Here  you  are  to  remark,  that  as  the  iubject 
fpoke  of,  is  the  law  ;  fo  the  law  in  fcripture  is 
considered  two  ways,  viz.  both  as  a  covenant  of 
works,  and  as  a  rule  of  duty.  Now,  that  the  be- 
liever is  under  no  obligation  to  the  law,  as  it  is  a 
covenant  of  works,  or  to  perform  obedience  to  ir  as 
a  ground  of  juftification,  (which  is  alio  the  lubiett 
treated  in  that  fettion),  is  confirmed  in  the  loot 
notes  by  the  following  fcripture?,  to  which  you 
are  directed  by  the  letter  (j),  Rom.  vi.  14.  Gal. 
v.  1,  2,  3,4.  Where  you  may  fee  believers  are 
faid  to  ■  be  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ;' 
and  exhorted  to   «  Hand    fa  ft  in  the  liberty  wherc- 

*  The  fcripture?  in  this  edition  are  extended,  at  full 
length. 


PREFACE.  7 

'  with  Chrift  hath  made  them  free  ;'  and  afTured, 
'  that  Chrilt  is  become  of  no  effect  to  them,  who- 
.'  foever  of  them  are  juftified  by  the  law  ;   they  are 

*  fallen  from  grace.' — Again,  that  the  believer  is 
under  more  obligation  than  ever  before  he  was  juf- 
tified,  to  yield  obedience  to  the  law  as  it  is  a  rule 
tf  life,  (which  is  the  other  branch  of  that  paradox,) 
is  confirmed  by  thefe  following  texts  of  icripture, 
to  which  you  are  directed  by  the  letter  (>),  Rom. 
vi.    i,    2,  15.    where  it  is  faid,   '  Shall  we  continue 

*  in  fin,  that  grace  may  abound  ?  God  forbid  :   how 

*  (hall  we  that  are  dead  to  fin,  live  any  longer 
<  therein  ?    What  then  \     fhall  vet  fin,   becaufe  we 

*  are  not   under  the   law,  but    under   £race  ?   God 

*  forbid.' — From  which  texts,  together  with  their 
contexts,  it  is  evident,  that  the  believer's  freedom 
from  the  law  as  a  covenant,  does  not  at  all  free 
him  from  obligation  to  it  as  a  rule,  but  fnperadds 
to  the  natural  obligation,  that  of  ^race,  which 
both  argumentatively  and  effectively  teaches  what 
the  law  does  authoritatively  and  prcceptively, 
namely,   *  to   deny   ungodlinefs  and   worldly  hilts, 

*  and    to   live    foberly,    righteoufly,   and    godly   in 

*  this  prefent  world,'    Tit.   ii.    11,    12. 

The    other  example    I   adduce,  you    may   read. 
Part  ill.   Sedt.   ii.   ver.  47.   where  the  words  are, 

To  good  and  evil  equal  bent : 
I'm  both  a  devil  and  a  faint. 

Here  the  reader  may  notice,  that  the  fubjcCl 
fpeken  of,  is  the  believer',  or  the  faint's  old  and 
:w  man  defcribed,  (which  is  part  of  the  title  of 
that  feclion,)  or  considered  as  to  his  um eveverale 
and  regenerate  part  ;  in  which  view  he  is  frequent- 
ly fpoke  of  in  fcripture  ;  ex.  gr.  1  John  iii.  0,  9, 
is  faid  of  the  believer,  or  the  per  fori  born  of  God ; 


8  PREFACE. 

tb.t  i  he  fir.neth  not;*  and  that  ■  he  cannot  fin,  be- 

*  cai  ft  he  is  burn  of  Gbfl  :'  there  he  is  poken  of 
as  to  his  new  nature,  or  regenerate  part.  Bur, 
l    J^»   h  i     8.   the  words  aTe,   *  If  we  fay  that  we 

*  have-  no  (:n^  we  deceive  oin      vrsj  and  the  truth  is 

*  not  in  us  :'  vhere  the  ar>oftlc  fpeak-s  of  believeiV 
unregeneraW  and  corrupt  part.  Now.  this  being 
the  fcri:  refentatioii  of  the  believer,  the 
lore:                  jx  is  ealiiy  proven  from  fcripture. 

The  firft  branch  is,  That  he  is  equally  bent  to 
good  and  to  evil.  For  the  proof  of  this,  you  are 
directed  in  the  foot  note  to  Rom.vih  21.  where  the 
apcitla  Paul,  fpcaking  both  oi  his  corrupt  and  re- 
newed part,  lays,  '  I  find  a  Jaw,  that  when  I  would 
'  do  good,  evil  is  preftnt  with  me.'  And,  if  you 
read  the  preceeding  and  following  context  you  will 
find  him  complaining  how  corruption  bends  him  as 
far  one  way  as  grace  another. 

The  other  part  of  the  lame  paradox  is,  That  the 
believer  is,  en  thefe  accounts,  both  a  devil  and  a 
faint*  Now,  that  the  believer  is  by  nature  and  cor- 
ruption a  devils  is  one  branch  of  this  poliiion  here 
to  be  confirmed.  That  he  is  fo  by  nature ,  is  pro- 
ven by  the  following  fenptures  in  the  forecited  page 
at  the  bottom,  John  vi.  70.  and  viii.  44.  compar- 
ed ;  where  Chrift,  fpeaking  of  feme  that  were  in  a 
natural  ftate,  viz.  of  Judas  and  the  Jews,  difcov- 
ers  what  is  the  iiate  of  all  men  bv  natuie,  •  that 
they  are  of  their  father  the  devil,  fince  the  lefts  of 
their  father  they  will  do;'  and  therefore  rr.ay  be 
called  devils,  as  our  Lord  calls  Judas,  laying,  ■  I 
have  chofen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil.' 
And  fuch  are  believers  alio  naturally,  as  depend- 
ents of  the  firft  Adam,  being  '  children  of  difobe- 
dience,  and  children  of  wrath  by  nature,  even  as 
others/  Eph*  ii.  2,  3.  And  that  the  believer  is  fo, 


PREFACE.  5 

not  only  by  nature,  but  alfo  by  reafon  of  remain- 
ing corruptio nt  is  proven  at  the  foot  of  the  fame 
page,  from  James  iii.  15.  where  that  apoiUe,  fpeak- 
ing  of  ftrife  aud  envy,  that  may  be  even  amongthc 
children  of  God,  (which  indeed  has  too  much  ta- 
ken pbice  in  all  ages),  fays,  '  This  vvifdom  defcend- 
eth  not  from  above,  but  is  earthly,  fenfual,  devil- 
ifh.'  Again,  that  though  the  believer  be  by  na- 
ture and  corruption  a  devil,  yet  he  is,  by  grace  and 
regeneration,  a  faint,  is  documented  alfo,  in  the 
fame  page,  from  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  *  Such  were  fome, 
cf  you  ;   but  ye  are  fanctified,'  &c. 

In  this  manner,  you  may  eafily  go  over  all  the 
reft  cf  the  paradoxes,  riddles,  or  myfteries,  contain- 
ed in  this  book,  and  find  them  evidently  confirmed 
by  the  fcriptures  of  truth,  the  word  of  God.  This 
might  be  no  unprofitable  exercife,  but  tend  to  lead 
you  in  to  the  true  knowledgeof  the  gofpel,  to  which 
myfteries  are  fo  efTential,  that  it  is  dcfigned  by  them 
and  called'  the  wifdom  ofGcdina  myftery/  1 
Cor.  ii.  7.  ;  and  the  knowledge  of  which  is  fo  ef- 
fential  to  Chriftianity,  and  fo  abfolutely  neceflfary 
to  falvation,  that  the  fame  apoftle  declares  that  ■  if 
4  our  gofpel  be  hid,   it  is  hid  to  them  that  are  loft  ; 

*  in    whom   the  god  of  this  world  hath  blinded  the 

*  minds  of  them  which  believe  not,  left  the  light  of 
'  the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chritt,  who  is  the  image  of 
f  God,  fhould  fliine  unto  them*  2  Cor.  iv.    5,   4. 

Again,  if  you  fearch  the  fcriptures,  you  will  fee 
many  more  proofs  for  every  point  than  1  have  ad- 
duced, and  perhaps  many  much  more  appotite ; 
tor  thefe  only  are  fet  down  at  the  bottom  of  tha 
page  that  firft  occurred  to  me  ;  yet,  I  fuppofe, 
though  fometimes  but  one,  and  fometimes  more 
fcriptures  are  pointed  out,  they  are  fuch  as  fuffici* 
ently  confirm    the   portions  they  relate  to.     But 


io  PREFACE. 

that  other  fcriptures  might  have  been  adduced  m 
plenty,  1  (hall  give  one  instance,  in  the  paradox 
jnft  now  mentioned,  viz.  That  every  believer,  while 
in  this  world,  is  both  a  devil  and  a  faint.  The  lat- 
ter claufc  is  what  none  will  deny,  namely,  That  e- 
very  true  believer,  is  a  faint  ;  for  further  proof  of 
which,  you  might  fee  A&s  xv.  9.  and  xxvi.  18, 
&c.  But  becaufe  the  firft  claufe  may  feem  more 
harfh,  it  may  by  fcripture  be  alfo  further  evinced 
two  ways:  \ft>  In  refpedt  of  the  daily  commiflion 
of  fin  he  has  to  challenge  himfelf  with  ;  for  the 
fcripture   fays,   Eccl.  vii.   20.   *  There  is  not  a  juft 

*  man  upon  earth,  that  doth  good,  and  finneth  not.' 
And  with  this  compare  1  John  iii.  8.  *  He  that 
committcth  fin,  is  of  the  devil. ■  Hence  it  is  plain, 
there  is  not  a  juft  man  upon  earth,  but  may,  in  ref- 
peel  of  the  commiflion  of  fin,  be  called  a  devil,  td(y, 
In  refpedl  of  prevalent  temptations,  by  which  he 
may  be  hurried  into  thofe  things'  that  favour  not 

*  of  God,  but  of  men;'  on  which  account  Chrift 
fays  to  Peter,  Matth.  xvi.  23.  '  Get  thee  bekind  me, 
Satan.'  And  if  (Thrift  calls  Peter  a  devil,  whom 
he  had  defcribed  as  a  faint  of  the  firft  magnitude, 
ver.  1  7.  one  divinely  blefled  an  denlightened  ;  what 
occafion  may  every  believer  have  to  call  himfelf  a 
devil  !  Yea,  it  is  a  part  of  his  faith  and  fan&ity,  to 
fee  and  acknowledge,  with  fiiame  before  the  Lord, 
his  own  deviliih  and  defperately  wicked  heart  and 
nature  ;  which  a  blind,  felf-conceited  world  are  ig- 
norant of,  being  neither  acquainted  with  themfelves, 
nor  with  God  and  his  word.  However,  fo  it  is 
that  the  more  any  (hall  fearch  the  fcripture,  the 
more  I  hope,  will  they  difcern,  not  only  by  the 
texts  I  have  quoted,  but  from  many  others  alfo,  the 
truth  and  evidence  of  every  part  of  this  book,  how- 


PREFACE.  n 

evermyfterious  fome  paflagesof  it  may  fecm  toma- 

Though  fome  of  thefe  lines  may  want  the  polite- 
nefs  that  can  pleafe  the  curious  age,  yet,  while  they 
ftand    firm   upon  a  fcriptural   foundation,   none  of 
them  want  authority,  and   that  of  the  higheit  na- 
ture, except  in  the  account  of  mockers,  and  thofc 
(of  whom  there  are  too  many  in  our  day)  that  are 
either  Deills,  who  undervalue  the  fcripture,  or  A- 
theifts,  who  deride  it :  and  it  is  fadly  to  be  regret- 
ted, that  thofe  people  are  hardened  in  their  wick- 
ed principles  and  practices,  by  fome  that   perhaps 
have  a  higher  profeflion.    For,    I    have   feen   two 
prints,  one  called  the  Groan  and  another  the  Laugh, 
wherein  fome  lines,  picked  out  among  others,  have 
been  expofed  to   ridicule:   but  however  fuch   gen- 
tlemen may  laugh  at  their  own  fport  and  wickedly 
divert  thernfelves  with   ferious  matters  for  a   time, 
I  fear  their  laughing  will  iffue  in  weeping  for  ever  ; 
if  God,  by  giving   them  repentance  do  not   make 
them  groan  to  purpofe,  for  the  evidence  they  thus 
give  of  either  their  grievous  ignorance  of  the  fcrip- 
ture, or  their  grofs  profanity,  and  of  their  readinefs 
to  yield  thernfelves  inftruments  of  the  devil,  to  pro- 
mote the  Atheftical  fpirit  of  the  age,  which  is  beat 
enough  (without  any  fuch  provocations)  to   laugh 
at   every  thing  ferious,  facred  and  fcriptural.   This 
is  fo  palpable,  without  my  obfervation  upon  it,  and 
fo  felf-evident  to  all   that  fear  God,  and  have  had 
the  patience  to  read  fuch  prints,   that  I  would  not 
have  thought  them  worth  my  noticing  fo  far,  as  to 
make   this  bare  mention  of  them,  had  not  Provi- 
dence put  the  pen  in  my  hand  to  preface  this  cditi» 
on,  wherein  fcriptural  proofs  are  added  to  that  part 
of  the  book. 


n  PREFACE. 

Readffi%  It  gives  me  fatisfaclion  enough  to  un» 
derftand,  that  this  book  has  already  been  ufeful 
and  edifying  to  fome,  however  it  is  entertained 
by  others.  The  gofpel  itfelf  is  to  fome  the  favour 
of  life,  to  others  the  favour  of death  ;  to  fome  ivif- 
dom}  t o  others  foolishnefs  ;  to  fome  marter  of  faith, 
love,  and  comfort,  to  others  matter  of  mockery  and 
fcorn.  I  (hall  be  far  from  thinking  it  any  difcredit  or 
difparagement  to  this  book,  if  it  meet  with  the  like 
entertainment — May  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
who  over-rules  all  things  accompany  it  in  its  jour- 
nies  abroad  or  at  home,  with  his  blefling  to  many 
fouls  ;  and  to  his  care  I  commend  it,  in  the  words 
of  a  famous  Scots  poet,  upon  Pf.ilm  xxxv.   i. 

Rerum  fanete  Opifex,  ader,, 
Et  patrocinio  protege  me  tuo. 

Which  maybe  adapted  to  the  matter  in  hand  thu9; 

The  truth  which  hell  may  critiche, 
Great  God,  be  near  to  patronize. 


GOSPEL    SONNETS 


PART    I 


The  Believer's   Efpoufals : 

A  Poem  upon  Isaiah  liv.  5.   Thy  Maker 
is  thy  hup  and. 

P  11  E  F  A  C  E. 

HARK,  dying  mortal,  if  the  Sonnet  prove 
A  long  of  living  &nd  immortal  love, 
5Tis  then  thy  grand  concern  the  theme  to  know,' 
If  life  and  immortality  he  fo. 
Are  eyes  to  read,  or  ears  to  hear  a  trufH 
Shall  both  in  deatii  be  cramm'd  anon  with  dufl.  ? 
Then  trifle  no:  to  pleafe  thine  ear  and  eye, 
But  read  thou,  hear  then,  ior  eternity. 
Purfue  not  ffiadows  wing'd,  but  be  thy  chafe^ 
The  God  of  glory  on  the  field  of  grace  : 
The  viighty  hunter 's  name  is  loll  and  vain, 
That  runs  not  this  fubftantial  prize  to  gain, 
Thele  humble  lines  aifume  1:0  high  pretence, 
To  pleafe  thy  fancy,   or  allure  thy  fenfe  : 
But  aim,   if  everlaliing  life's  thy  chafe,        [gr^ce. 
To  clear  thy  mind,  and  warm  thy   heart  through 
A  marriage  fo  myfterious  1  proclaim, 

Betwixt  two  parties  of  fuch  diff'rent  fame, 

A 


26  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

That  human  tongues  may  blufh  their  names  to  tell, 
To  wit,  the  Prince  of  Heav'n,  the  heir  of  belli 
But,  on  fo  vaft  a  fubject,   who  can  find 
Words  fluting  the  conceptions  of  his  mind  ? 
Or,   if  our  language  with  our  thought  could  vie, 
What  mortal  thosght  can  raife  itfelf  fo  high  ? 
When  words  and  thoughts  both  fail,  may  faith  and 
Afcend  by  climbing  up  the  fcripture  (lair  :   [pray'r 
From  iacred  writ  thefe  ftrange  efooufals  may 
Be  explicated  in  the  foH'wing  way. 

CHAP.     I. 

A  general  account  of  man's  fall  in  A- 
dam,  and  the  remedy  provided  in 
Christ  :  and  a  particular  account  of 
man's  being  naturally  wedded  to  the 
law,  as  a  covenant  of  works. 

SECT.     I. 

The  Fall  of  Ada::. 

OL  D   Adam   once  a  heav'n  of  pleafure  found 
While  he  with  perfect  innocence  was  crown'dj 
His  wing'd  affections  to  his  God  could  move 
In  raptures  of  delire,  and  drains  of  love. 
Man  {landing  fpotlefs,  pure,  and  innocent, 
Could  well  the  law  of  works  with  works  content; 
Though  then,  (nor  lince),  ir  could  demand  no  lefs 
Than  perfonal  and  perfect  righteouluels : 
Thefe  unto  finlefs  man  were  eafy  term-, 
Though  now  beyond  the  reach  of  withered  arms, 
The  legal  cov'nant  then  upon  the  field, 
Perfection  fought,  man  could  perfection  yield, 


Chap,  I.  The  Believer  s  Efpoujals.  27 

Rich  had  he,  and  his  progeny  remaiVd, 

Had  he  primeval  innocence  maintained  : 

His  life  had  been  a  reft  without  annov, 

A  Icene  of  blifs,   a  paradife  of  joy. 

Cut  fubtile  Satan,  in  the  ferpent  hid, 

Propofing  fair  the  fruit  that  GoJ  foi  bid, 

Man  foon  fedue'd  bv  hell's  alluring;  art, 

Did,  difobedient,   from  the  rule  depart, 

Devour'd  the  bait,   and  by  his  bold  offence 

Fell  from  his  blilsful  ftate  of  innocence  *. 

Proltrate,  he  loft  his  God,  his  life,  his  crown. 

From  all  his  glory  tumbled  headlong  down  ; 

Plung'd  in  a  deep  abyfs  of  Cm  and  wee, 

Where,   void  of  heart  to  will,   or  hand  to  do; 

For's  own  relief  he  can't  command  a  thought, 

The  total  ffiiri  of  what  he  can  is  nought. 

He's  able  only  now  t'increafe  his  thrall ; 

He  can  deftroy  himfelf,  and  this  is  all. 

But  can  the  hellilh  brat  Heaven's  law  fulfil, 

Whole    precept    high  furmount  his  ftrength    and 

Can  filthy  drofs  produce  a  golden  beam  f        [(kill  ? 

Or  poifon'd  i'prings  a  falutif'rous  ftream  ? 

Can  carnal  minds,  fierce  enmity's  wide  maw, 

Be  duly  fubjecl  to  the  divine  law  ? 

Nay,  now  its  direful  threat'nings  muft  take  place 

On  all  the  difobedient  human  race, 

Who  do  by  guilt  Omnipotence  pro  voice, 

Obnoxious  Hand  to  his  uplifted  ftroke. 

They  muft  ingulf  themfelves  in  endiefs  woes, 

Who  to  the  living  God  are  deadly  foes; 

Who  natively  his  holy  will  gainfay, 

Mud  to  his  awful  juitice  fall  a  prey. 

In  vain  do  mankind  new  expecft,  in  vain 

By  legal  deeds  immortal  life  to  gain  : 

*  Gen.  ill-   1 — 6. 


28  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Nay,  death  is  threaten'^,   threats  muft  have  their 
Or  fouls  that  fin  muft  dief,  as  God  is  true,      [due, 

S  E  C  T.     II. 

Redemption  through  Christ. 

THE  fecond  Adam,  fov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
Did,  by  his  Father's  authorifing  call, 
From  bofom  of  eternal  love  delcend, 
To  fave  the  guilty  race  that  him  offend  ; 
To  treat  an  everlafting  peace  with  thofe 
Who  were  and  ever  would  have  been  his  foes. 
His  errand,  never  ending  life  to  give 
To  them  whofe  malice  would  not  let  him  live; 
To  make  a  match  with  rebels,  and  efpoufe 
The  brat  which  at  his  love  her  fpite  avows. 
Himfelf  he  humbled  to  deprefs  her  pride, 
And  make  his  mortal  foe  his  loving  bride. 
But,  ere  the  marriage  can  be  folemniz'd, 
All  lets  muft  be  remov'd,  all  parties  pleas'd. 
Lavv-righteoufnefs  required,  muft  be  procur'd, 
Law-vengence  threatened,  muft  be  full  endur'd, 
Stern  juftice  muft  have  credit  by  the  march, 
Sweet  mercy  by  the  heart  the  bride  muft  catch. 
Poor  bankrupt  I  all  her  debt  muft  fit  ft  be  paid, 
Her  former  hufband  in  the  grave  be  laid  : 
Her  prefent  lover  muft  be  at  the  colt, 
To  fave  and  ran  Tom  to  the  utter  moll, 
If  all  thefe  things  this  fuitor  kind  can  do, 
Then  he  may  win  her,  and  her  bleffing  too. 
Hard  terms  indeed!  while  death's  the  firft  demand  ; 
But  love  is  firong  as  death*,  and  will  not  Hand 
To  carry  on  the  fuit,  and  make  it  good, 
Though  at  the  deareft  rate  of  wounds  and  blood. 

\  Eze&.  xviii;  4.  *  Song  viii.  fc 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  £9 

The  burden's  heavy  hut  the  back  is  broad, 

The  glorious  lover  is  the  mighty  G«d  f. 

Kind  bowels  yearning  in  th'  eternal  Son, 

He  left  his  Father's  court,  his  heavenly  throne: 

Afide  he  threw  his  mod  divine  array, 

And  wrapt  his  Godhead  in  the  veil  of  clay. 

Angelic  armies,  who  in  glory  crown'd, 

With  joyful  harps  his  awful  throne  furround, 

Down  to  the  cryftal  frontier  of  the  fky  % 

To  fee  the  Saviour  born,   did  eager  fly  ; 

And  ever  fince  behold  with  wonder  frefh 

Their  Sov'reign  and  our  Saviour  wrapt  in  fieftu 

Who  in  this  garb  did  mighty  love  difplay, 

Rejioring  what  he  never^took  aivay\\9 

To  God  his  glory,  to  the  law  its  due, 

To  heav'n  its  honour,  to  the  earth  its  hue, 

To  man  a  1  ighteoufnefs  divine,  complete, 

A  royal  robe  to  fuit  the  nuptial  rite. 

He  in  her  favours,  whom  he  lov'd  h  well, 

At  once  did  pur  chafe  heav'n,  and  vanquifh  hell. 

Oh  !  unexampled  love  !  fo  vaft,  fo  ftrong, 

So  great,  fo  high,  fo  deep,  fo  broad,  fo  long ! 

Can  finite  thought  this  ocean  huge  explore, 

Unconfcious  of  a  bottom  or  a  fhore  ? 

His  love  admits  no  parallel,  for  why, 

At  one  great  draught  of  love  he  drank  hell  dry. 

No  drop  of  wrathful  gall  he  left  behind  ; 

No  dreg  to  witnefs  that  he.was  unkind. 

The  fword  of  awful  juftice  pTerc'd  his  fide, 

That  mercy  thence  might  gufh  upon  the  bride. 

The  meritorious  labours  of  his  life, 

And  glorious  conqueft  of  his  dying  ftrife  ; 

Her  debt  of  doing,  fufPring,  both  cancell'd, 

And  broke  the  bars  his  lawful  captive  held. 

t  Ifa-  ix.  6.         t  Luke  ii.  9—14.         |  Pfalm  lxix.  4, 


3<d  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  L 

Down  to  the  ground  the  hellifh  hod  he  threw, 
Then  mourning  high  the  trump  of  triumph  blew, 
Attended  with  a  bright  feraphic  band, 
Sat  down  enthron'd  fublime  on  God's  right  hand} 
Where  glorious  choirs  their  various  harps  employ, 
To  found  his  praifes  with  confed'rate  joy. 
There  he,  the  bride's  flrong  interceflbr  fits, 
And  thence  the  blefrmgs  of  his  blood  tranfmit?, 
Sprinkling  all  o'ver  the  flaming  throne  of  Gad^ 
Pleads  for  her  pardon  his  atoning  blood  i 
Sends  down  his  holy  co- eternal  Dove, 
To  (hew  the  wonders  of  incarnate  love, 
To  woo  and  win  the  bride's  reluctant  heart., 
And  pierce  it  with  his  kindly  killing  dart ; 
By  gofpel  light  to  maniieft  that  now 
She  has  no  further  with  the  law  to  do  ; 
That  her  new  Lord  has  loos'd  the  fesi'ral  tie, 
That  once  hard  bound  her  or  to  do  er  dis ; 
That  precepts,  threats,  no  fingle  mite  can  crave. 
Thus  for  her  former  fpouie  he  digg'd  a  grave  ; 
The  law  fail  to  his  crofs  did  nail  and  pin, 
Then  bury'd  the  defunct  his  tomb  within, 
That  he  the  lonely  widow  to  himfelf  might  win. 

SECT.     III. 

Man's  legal  difpofition. 

BUT,   after  all,   the  bride's  fo  malecontent, 
No  argument,  fave  pow'r,   is  prevalent 
To  bow  her  will,  and  gain  her  heart's confent. 
The  glorious  Prince's  (bit  file  disapproves, 
The  law,  her  old  primordial  hufband,  loves; 
Hopeful  in  its  embraces  life  to  have, 
Though  dead  and  bury'd  in  her  fuitcr's  grave; 
Unibie  to  give  life,  as  once  before; 
Unfit  to  be  a  hufband  any  more. 


Chap.   I.  The  Believer  s  Efpoufats.  3 1 

Yet  proudly  (he  the  new  addrefs  difdains, 

And  all  the  bleft  Redeemer's  love  and  pains  ; 

Though  now  his  head,  that  crnel  thorns  did  wound. 

Is  with  immoital  glory  circled  round  ; 

Archangels  at  his  awful  footftool  bow, 

And  drawing  love  fits  fmiline  on  his  brow. 

Though  down  he  fends  in  gofpel- tidings  gocd 

Epiftles  of  his  love,  fign'd  with  his  blood  : 

Yet  lordly  (lie  the  royal  fuits  rejects, 

Eternal  life  by  legal  works  effects; 

In  vain  the  living feeks  amoni  the  dead*. 

Sues  quick'ning  comforts  in  a  killing  head. 

Her  dead  and  bury'd  hufband  has  her  heart, 

Which  can  nor  death  remove,  nor  life  impart. 

Thus  all  revolting  Adam's  blinded  race 

In  their  firfl  fpoule  their  hope  and  comfort  place. 

They  natively  expect,   if  guilt  them  prefs, 

Salvation  by  a  home-bred  rightecufnefs  : 

They  look  for  favour  in  Jehovah's  eyes, 

By  careful  doing  all  that  in  them  lies. 

'Tis  frill  their  primary  attempt  to  draw 

Their  life  and  comfort  from  vet'ran  law ; 

They  flee  not  to  the  hope  the  gofpel  gives  ;  "p 

To  truft  a  promife  bare,  their  minds  aggrieves,  > 

Which  judge  the  man  that  does,the  man  that  lives,  3 

As  native  as  they  draw  their  vital  breath, 

Their  fend  rccourfe  is  to  the  legal  path. 

* Viy,  lays  old  nature,   in  law-wedded  man, 
1  Won't  Heaven  be  pleas'd,  if  1  do  all  I  can  ? 

If  I  conform  my  walk  to  nature's  light, 
'  And  ftrive,   intent  to  practsfe  what  is  right  ; 
4  Thus  won't  I  by  the  God  of  heav'n  be  blefs'd, 
<  And  win  his  favour,  if  I  do  my  bed  ?         [thrall, 
Good  God  !  (he  cries)  when  prefs'd  with  debt  and 
*  Have  patience  with  vie,  and  P ll  pay  thee  all  \\ 
Luke  xxvi.  5.  f  Matth.  xviii.  26, 


J2  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  L 

Upon  their  all,  their  beft,   they're  fondly  mad, 

Though  yet  their  ail  is  nought,  their  belt  is  bade 

Prowd  man  his  can  doss  mightily  exalts, 

Yet  are  his  bright  eft  works  but  iplendid  faults. 

A  (inner  may  have  fhews  of  good,  but  ftill 

The  beft  he  can,  ev'n  at  his  beft,  is  ill. 

Can  heav'n  or  divine  favour  e'er  be  win 

By  thofe  that  are  a  mafs  of  bell  and  fin  f 

The  righteous  law  does  numerous  woes  denounce 

Againft  the  wretched  foul  that  fails  but  once  : 

What  heaps  of  curies  on  their  hsads  it  rears, 

That  have  amaiVd  the  guilt  of  num'rous  years ! 

SECT.     IV. 

Man's  ftricfc  attachment  to  legal  terms,  or  to  the  law 

as  a  condition  of  life. 

SAY,  on  what  terms  then  Heav'n  appeas'd  will 
Why,   fure  perfection  is  the  leaft  degree.        [be  ? 
Yea,  more,  full  fatisfaction  muft  be  giv'n 
For  trefpafs  done  againft  the  laws  ofr  Heav'n. 
Thefe  are  the  terms ;  what  mortal  back  fo  broad, 
But  muft  for  ever  fink  beneath  the  load  ,? 
A  rarifom  muft  be  found,  or  die  they  muft, 
Sure,  ev'n  asjaftice  infinite  is  juft. 
But,  fays  the  legal,  proud,  felt- righteous  heart, 
Which  cannot  with  her  ancient  con  fort  party 

*  What  !  won't  the  goodnefs  of  the  God  of  heav'n, 

*  Admit  of  frnails,  when  greater  can't  be  giv'n  ; 
4  He  knows  our  fall  diminiih'd  all  our  funds, 

6  Won't  he  accept  of  pennies  now  for  pounds  ? 

*  Sincere  endeavours  for  perfection  take, 

6  Or  terms  more  poffible  for  mankind  make  V 

Ah  !   poor  divinity,  and  jargon  loofe  ; 

Such  hay  and  ftraw  will  never  build  the  hoiife. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  33 

Miftake  not  here,  proud  mortal,  don't  miftake, 

God  changes  not,  nor  other  terms  will  make. 

Will  divine  faithfulnefs  itfelf  deny, 

Which  (wore  folemnly,  Man  fhall  do  or  die  J 

Will  God  moil  true  extend  to  us,  forfooth, 

His  goodnefs,  to  the  damage  of  his  truth  f 

Will  fpotlefs  holinefs  be  baffled  thus  ? 

Or  awful  juftice  be  unjuft  for  us  ? 

Shall  faithfulnefs  be  faithlefs  for  our  fake, 

And  he  his  threats,  as  we  hii  precepts  break  I 

Will  our  great  Creditor  deny  himfelf ; 

And  for  full  payment  take  our  filthy  pelf  ? 

Difpenfe  with  juftice,  to  let  mercy  vent  ? 

And  (lain  his  royal  crown  with  'minified  rent  I 

Unworthy  thought  1   O  let  no  mortal  clod 

Hold  fuch  bale  notions  of  a  glorious  God. 

Heav'n's  holy  cov'nant,  made  for  human  race> 

Confiftsj  or  whole  of  works,  or  whole  of  grace- 

If  works  will  take  the  field,  then  works  mult  be 

For  ever  perfect  to  the  laft  degree  : 

Will  God  difpenfe  with  lefs  ?   Nay,  fure  he  won't 

With  ragged  toll  his  royal  law  affront. 

Can  rag>,  that  Sinai  flames  will  foon  difpatch, 

E'er  prove  the  fiery  law's  adequate  match  ? 

Vain  man  imift  be  divore'd,  and  choofe  to  take 

Another  hufband,  or  a  burning  lake. 

We  find  the  divine  volume  no  where  teach 
New  legal  terms  within  our  mortal  reach. 
Some  make,  though  in  the  facred  page  unknown, 
Sincerity  afiume  perfection's  throne  : 
Bat  who  will  boaft  this  bale  usurper's  fvvay  ? 
Save  minifters  «f  darknefs,  that  difplay 
Invented  night  to  ftifle  fcripture  day  I 
The  nat'ralitl's  fincerity  is  naught, 
That  of  the  gracious  is  divinely  taught ; 

A  z 


- 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


Which  teaching  keeps  their  graces,  if  fincere, 
Within  the  llrrtits  of  the  golpel  fphere, 
Where  vaunting,  none  created  graces  fing, 
Nor  boart  of  ftream*,  but  of  the  Lord  the  fpring. 
Sincerity's  the  foul  of  every  grace, 
The  quality  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race. 
Of  prornis'd  favour  'tis  a  fruit,  a  claufe  ; 
But  no  procuring  term,  no  moving  caufe. 

How  unadvis'd  the  legal  mind  confounds 
The  marks  of  divine  favour  with  the  grounds, 
And  qualities  of  covenanted  friends 
With  the  condition  of  the  cov'nant  blends? 
Thus  holding  golpel  truths  with  legal  arms, 
Miftakes  new-cov'nant  fruits  for  fed'ral  terms. 
The  joyful  found  no  change  of  terms  allows, 
But  change  of  per  Tons,  or  another  fpcufe. 
The  nature  fame  that  finn'd  mult  do  and  dit\ 
IS'o  milder  terms  in  gofnel  offers  lie. 
For  grace  no  other  law  abatement  fhews, 
But  how  lav/  debtors  may  reftore  its  dues ; 
Re  More,   yea,  through  a  Surety  in  their  place, 
With  double  intVcft  and  a  better  grace. 
Here  we  of  new  terms  of  life  are  told, 
But  of  a  hufband  to  fulfil  the  old  ; 
With  him  alone  by  faith  we're  call'd  to  wed, 
And  let  no  rival  *  brink  the  marriage -bed.  *  Enjoy* 


SECT.     V. 

Mens  vain  attempt  to  feek  life  by  Christ's  rightecuf- 
nefs,  joined  with  their  owe ;  and  legal  hopes  natural 
to  all. 

BUT  ftill  the  bride  reluclant  difallows 
The  junior  (bit,  and  huo;s  the  fenior  fpoufe. 
Such  the  old  felfifh  folly  of  her  mind, 
So  bent  to  lick  the  duft,  and  grafp  the  witfd, 


Chap.   I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  35 

Alledglng  works  and  duties  of  her  own 
May  for  her  criminal  offence  atone; 
She  will  her  antic  dirty  robe  provide, 
Which  vain  (he  hopes  will  all  pollutions  hide. 
The  filthy  rags  that  faints  away  have  flung, 
She  holding,  wraps  and  rolls  hei  (elf  in  dung. 
Thus  maugre  all  the  light  the  gefpel  gives, 
Unto  her  nafral  confort  fondly  cleaves. 
Through  mercy  let  her  royal  match  in  veiw, 
She's  loth  to  bid  her  ancient  inMe  adieu. 
When  light  of  fcriptnre,  reafon,  common  fenfe 
Can  hardly  mortify  her  vain  pretence 
To  legal  rightceufr.cfs ;    yet  if  at  laft 
Her  cor.fcience  rcus'd  begins  to  (land  a'ghaftj 
Prcfs'd  with  rti"c  dread  o:  hell,  flie*l1  r.ifnly  patcli, 
And  halve  a  bargain  with  the  preffei'd  match  ; 
In  hopes  his  help,  together  with  her  cwu, 
Will  turn  to  peaceful  lYniles  the  wrathful  frown. 
Though  grace  the  rifing  Sun  delightful  fmgs, 
With  full  falva'.  ion  in  his  golden  wings. 
And  rigntedtfTnefi  e«»mp!ete  ;   the  faith'lefs  foul, 
Receivii  g  half  the  light,   rejecTs  the  whole  ; 
Revolve?  the  facred  page,   but  leads  purblind 
The  gofpel-mcflaoe  with  the  leoal  mir.d. 
Men  dream  their  (late,  ah  !  too,  toofhghtlv  view' 
Needs  only  be  amended,  r.ut  renew'd  ; 
Scorn  to  be  wholly  debtois  unto  orate, 
Hopeful  their  works  may  meliorate  their  cafe. 
They  fancy  prefent  prayers,  and  future  pains 
Will  for  their  former  failings  make  amends: 
To  legal  yokes  they  bow7  their  fervile  necks 
And,  lead  foul  flips  their  falfe  repofe  perplex, 
Think  Jems'  merits  make  up  alldefecls. 
They  patch  his  glorious  robe  with  filthy  rars, 
And  burn  but  incenfe  to  their  proper  drags *, 

*  Hab.  i.  16, 


< 


■k  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  |. 

Difdain  to  ufe  his  ri^hteoufnefs  alone, 

3ut  as  an  aiding  ftirr'p  to  mount  rheir  own; 

Thus  in  Chrift's  room  his  rival  felf  enthrone, 

And  vainly;  would,   drefs'd  up  in  legal  trim, 

Divide  falvstion  'tween  thcmfelves  .nnd  him. 

But  know,   vain  man,  that  to  h>  fhare  mud  fall 

The  glory  of  the  whole,  or  none  at  all. 

In  him  all  wifdom's  hidden  treafures  lie  *, 

And  on  the  fulnefs  of  the  Deity  f. 

This  (tore  alone,  immenfe,  and  never  fpent, 

Might  poor  infolyent  debtors  well  content ; 

Bat  to  hell-prifon  jullly  Heav'n  will  doom 

Proud  fools  that  on  their  petty  ftock  prefume. 

The  fofteft  couch  that  gilded  nature  (plows, 

Can  give  the  waken'd  confcience  no  repofe. 

When  God  arraigns,  what  mortal  pow'r  canftai 

Beneath  the  terror  of  his  lifted  hand! 

Our  fafety  lies  beyond  the  natural  line, 

Beneath  a  purple  covert  all  divine. 

Yet  how  is   precious  Chrift,   the  way,  defpis'd, 

And  high  the  way  of  life  by  doing  priz'd  ! 

But  can  its  vot'ries  all  its  levy  (how  ? 

They  prize  it  rooft,  who  leait  its  burden  know  : 

Who  by  the  law  in  part  would  favc  his  foul, 

Becomes  a  debtor  to  fulfil  the  whole  + 

Its  prisoner  he  remains,  and  without  bail, 

*Till  evVy  mire  L.e  p?rid  ;  and  if  he  fail, 

(As  fure  he  mail,  fince,  by  our  finfuj  breach, 

Perfection  far  furrnounts  all  mortal  reaph), 

Then  pnrs'd  for  ever  mud  his  foul  remain  : 

And  all  the  folk  of  God  mu.ft  fay.  Amen 

Why,  feeking  that  the  Law  [hould  help  allord, 

In  honouring  the  law,  he  flights  its  Lord, 

Wlil)  gives  his  law-fulfilling  rigl  teoufneis 

To  be  the  naked  tinner's  perfect  drefs; 

*  Col.  ii,  3.     f  Col.  ii.  to     {  Gal.  v.  3      jj  Dent  xxv' 


Chap.  I.  Tie  Believer's  Efpcufats.  $/ 

In  which  he  might  with  fp^tlefs  beauty  fhine 

Before  the  face  of  Majetty  divine  : 

Yet,  lo  !   the  firmer  works  with  mighty  pains 

A  garment  of.fas  own  ua  hide  his  flams  ; 

Ungrateful,  overlooks  the  gifts  of  God, 

The  robe  wrought  by  his  hand,  dy'd  in  his  blood* 

In  vain  the  Son  of  God  this  web  did  weave. 
Could  our  vile  rags  fuiTicient  {heiter  give 
In  vain  he  ev'ry  thread  of  it  did  drav  -, 
Could  Goners  be  o'ermantled  by  the  law. 
Can  men's  fal.yarion  on  their  works  be  built, 
Whofe  fail  ell  actions  nothing  are  but  guilt  ? 
Or  can  the  law  iupprefs  th'  avenging  flame, 
When  now  its  only  office  is  to  damn  t 
Did  life  come  by  the  law  in   part  or  whole, 
Blc-ft  Jefiis  dy'd  in  vain  to  fave  a  foul. 
Thofe  then  who  iife  by  legal  mfaos  expect; 
To  them  is  Chriit  become  of  no  ejfttt  *  ; 
Becauie  their  legal  mixtures  do  in  fa6t 
Wildom's  gi  and  projsel  plainly  counteract. 
How  clofe  proud  carnal  reafoning;  combine, 
To  frultrate  fov'reign  grace's  great  defign  \ 
Man's  heart  by  nature  weds  the  law  alone, 
Nor  will  another  paramour  enthrone. 

True,   many  feem  by  courie  of  life  profane, 

o  favour  for  the  law  to  entertain  : 
|tat  break  the  bands,  and  call  the  cords  away, 
That  Would  their  raging  lulls  and  paffions  flay. 
let  ev'n  this  reigning  madnefs  may  declare, 
How  ftri&ly  wedded  to  the  law  they  are  ; 
For  now  (however  rich  they  feem'd  before) 
Hopeleis  to  pay  law-deb:,   they  give  it  o'er, 
liike  defp'rate  debtors  mad,  itill  run  themfelvesin 
pefpair  of  lhcceii  fuews  their  ftrong  dtCne?,  [more 
rill  legal  hope-  are  parch'd  in  luftrul  firCS* 
f  GaJ.  i\,  zi,    y.  2.  4, 


3$  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

'  Let's  give,  fay  they,  our  lawlefs  will  free  fcope, 
'  And  live  at  random,  for  there  is  r.o  hope\.% 
The  law,  that  can't  them  help/they  flab  with  hate, 
Yet  fcorn  to  beg,  or  court  another  mate. 
Here  lufts  moil  oppofite  their  hearts  divide, 
Their  beaftly  paffion,  and  their  bankrupt  pride. 
In  paffion  they  their  native  mate  deface, 
In  pride  difdain  to  be  oblig'd  to  grace. 
Hence  plain  as  a  rule  'gainft  law  they  live, 
Ye:  clofely  to  it  as  a  cov'nant  cleave. 
Thus  legal  pride  lies  hid  beneath  the  patch, 
Aad  ftrong  averfion  to  the  gofpel- match* 


CHAP.     II. 

The  manner  of  a  finner's  divorce  from 
the  law  in  a  work  of  humiliation,  and 
of  his  marriage  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ;  or>  the  way  how  a  {inner 
comes  to  be  a  believer. 

SECT.     I. 

Of  a  law-work,  and  the  workings  of  legal  pride  under  it, 

S  O  proud's  the  bride,  fo  backwardly  difposM; 
How  then  fhall  e'er  the  happy  match  be  clos'd? 
Kind  grace  the  tumults  of  her  heart  muft  quell, 
And  draw  her  heav'nward  by  the  gates  oi  hell. 
The  bridegroom's  Father  makes  by'sholy  Sp'rifc, 
His  ftern  commands  with  her  ftiff  conference  meet; 
To  dafli  her  pride,  and  fliew  her  utmoft  need, 
Purfues  for  double  debt  with  awful  dread. 

f  Jer.  xviii-  12. 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  39 

He  makes  her  former  hufband's  frightful  ghoft 

Appear  and  damn  her,  as  a  bankrupt  loft ; 

With  aides,  threat?,  and  Sinai  thunder-claps 

Her  lofty  tow'r  of  legal  bcafting  faps. 

Thefe  humbling  ftorms,  in  high  or  low  degrees, 

Heav'n's  Majefty  will  meafure  as  he  pleafe ; 

But  ft  ill  he  makes  the  fiery  law  at  leaft 

Pronounce  its  awful  fentence  in  her  bread:, 

Till  through  the  laiv*  convict  of  being  loft. 

She  hopclefs  to  the  law  gives  up  the  ghoft  : 

Which  now  in  rigour  pomes  full  debt  to  crave 

And  in  clofe  prtfoa  caft;   but  not  to  fave. 

For  now  'tis  weak  and  can't  (through  our  default) 

Irs  greatett  votaries  to  life  exalt. 

But  well  it  can  command  vv.th  fire  and  flame, 

And  to  the  loweft  pi:  of  ruin  damn. 

Thus  doth  ir,  by  commiffion  from  above, 

Deal   with   the  bride,  when  Heav'u  would  court 

Lo!  now  (he  ftartles  at  the  Sinai  trump,    [her  love. 

Which  throws  her  foul  into  a  difmal  dump, 

Conicious  another  hufband  {"at  muft  have, 

Elfe  die  for  ever  in  deft nn5i ion's  grave. 

Wiiile  in  conviction's  jail  (lie's  thus  inclos'd, 

Glad  news  are  heard,  the  royal  Mate's  propositi. 

And  now  the  fcornful  bride's  inverted  ftir 

Is  racking  fear,  he  (corns  to  match  with  her. 

She  dreads  his  fury,  and  defpaifs  that  he 

Will  ever  w7ed  io  vile  a  wretch  as  (he. 

And  here  the  legal  humour  ilirs  again 

To  her  prodigious  lofs,  and  grievous  pain  : 

For  when  the  Prince  prefents  himfelf  to  be 

Her  hufband>  then  (he  deems :   Ah  !  is  not  he 

Too  fair  a  match  for  fuch  a  filthy  bride  ? 

Unconfcious  that  the  thought  bewrays  her  pride, 


*  Gal.  ii.  19. 


^o  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Ev'n  pride  of  merit,  pride  of  righteoufnefs, 
Expe&ing  Heav'n  fhould  love  her  for  her  drefs ; 
Unmindful  how  the  fall  her  face  did  (lain, 
And  made  her  but  a  black  unlovely  fvvain  ; 
Ker  whole  primeval. beauty  quite  defac'd, 
And  to  the  rank  of  fiends  her  form  dcbas'd  ; 
Without  disfigur'd,  and  defil'd  within, 
Uucapable  of  any  thing  but  (in. 
Heav'n  courts  not  any  for  their  comely  face, 
But  for  the  glorious  praife  of  fov  reign  grace, 
Elfe  ne'er  had  courted  one  of  Adam's  race, 
Which  all  as  children  of  cortuption  be, 
Heirs  rightful  of  immortal  mifery. 
Yet  here  the  bride  employs  her  foolifn  wit, 
For  this  bright  match  her  ugly  form  to  fit  ; 
To  daub  her  features  o'er  with  legal  paint, 
That  with  a  grace  {he  may  herfelf  prefent. 
Hopeful  the  Prince  with  credit  might  her  wed, 
If  once  fome  comely  qualities  fne  had. 
In  humble  pride,  her  haughty  fpirit  flags; 
She  cannot  think  of  coming  ail  in  rags. 
Were  flie  a  humble,  faithful  penitent, 
She  dreams  he'd  then  .contract  with  full  content. 
Bale  variet !  thinks  ihe'd  be  a  match  for  him, 
Did  fhe  but  deck  herfelf  in  handfome  trim. 
Ah  !  foolifh  thoughts  !  in  legal  deeps  that  plod. 
Ah  !   lorry  notions  of  a  (bv'reign  God  1 
Will  Gi,d  exppfe  his  great,  his  glorious  Son, 
For  our  vile  baggage  to  be  fold  and  won  ? 
Should  finful  modeiiy  the  match  decline, 
Until  its  garb  be  brifk  and  fuperfine  ; 
Alas!   when  (feould  we  fee  the  marriage-day  ? 
"The  happy  bargain  mud  flee  up  for  ay. 
Presumptuous  fouls  in  furly  mode  fly, 
Bali-fa  vioiirs  of  then.felyss  would  fondly  be. 


Chap.   II.  The  Believer's   Efpourah.  \\ 

Then  hopeful  th'  other  half  their  due  will  fall, 

Difdain  to  be  in  Jefus'  debt  for  all. 

Vainly  they  fi'it  would  wafli  rbemfclves,  and  then 

Addrefs  the  fountain  to  be  walh'd  more  clean; 

Firft  heal  themfelves,  and  then  expert  the  balm? 

Ah  !   many  (lightly  cure  their  fudden  qijal-m. 

They  heal  their  conicier.ce  with  a  tear  or  pray'r; 

And  feek  no  other  Chrift,  but  perifli  There. 

O  firmer  !   fearch  the  froufej   and  fee  the  thief     "] 

That  fpoils  thy  Saviour's  crown,  thy  foul's  relief    \ 

The  hid,  but  heinous  Cm  of  unbelief.  J 

Who  can  pofTefs  a  quality  that's  good, 

Till  fiift  he  come  to  Jems'  cleaniing  blood  ? 

The  pow'r  that  draws  the  bride,  will  alio  lhew 

Unto  her  by  the  way  her  hellifh  hue, 

As  void  of  ev'ry  virtue  to  commend, 

And  full  of  ev'ry  vice  thsti  will  ofieiTA 

'Till  fov 'reign  grace  the  luilen  biide  (hall  catch, 

She'll  never  fit herfelf  for  Inch  a  match. 

Moft  qualify 'd  they  are  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 

Who  $ee  themfelves  mrft  qualify'd  fcr  hell; 

And.   ere  the  bride  can  drink  farvatibn's  cup, 

Kind  Heav'n  moft  reach  to  bell  and  lift  her  up: 

For  no  decorum  e'er  about  her  fourd, 

Is  (lie  bclov'd  ;   but  on  a  nobler  ground. 

Jshovah's  love  is  like  his  rtatfrre  free, 

Nor  mult  his  creature  challenge  his  decree; 

But  low  at  fov'reign  grace's  'foot (tool  creep, 

Whole  ways  are  fear  chiefs,   and  hi* judgments 

Yet  grace's  (bit  meets  with  refinance  rude 

From  haughty  fouls  ;   for  lack  of  innate  good 

To  recommend  them.      Thus  the  backward  bride 

Affronts  her  fui:or  with  her  modeft  pride. 

Black  hatred  tor  his  offered  love  repays, 

Pride  under  maik  of  modefty  difphys : 


42  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

In  part  would  lave  herfclf ;  hence,  fancy  fouli 
Rejects  the  matchlefs  Mate  would  fave  in  whole. 

SECT.     II. 


Convi&ion  of  sin  and  wrath,  carried  on  mere  deeply 
and  effeAually  on  the  heart. 

S  O  proudly  forward  is  the  bride,   and  now 
Stern  Heav'n  begins  to  ftare  with  cloudier  brow  ; 
Law-curfes  come  with  more  condemning  pow'rf 
To  fcorch  her  confeience  with  a  fiery  fhowY, 
And  more  refulgant  flames  darted  in  ; 
For  by  the  lanv  the  knowledge  is  of  fin.  * 
Black  Sinai  thund'ring  louder  than  before, 
Does  awful  in  her  lofty  bofom  roar. 
Heav'n's  furious  florins  now  rife  from  evVy  airlh]-. 
In  ways  more  terrible  to  floake  the  earth\y 
9  Till  haughtinefs  of  men  be  funk  thereby* 
That  Chrijl  alone  may  be  exalted  high. 
Now  (table  earth  feems  from  her  centre  toft, 
And  lofty  mountains  in  the  ocean  loft. 
Hard  rocks  of  flint,  and  haughty  hills  of  pride, 
Are  torn  in  pieces  by  the  roaring  tide. 
Each  flam  of  new  conviction's  lucid  rays 
Heart-errors,  undifcern'd  till  now,  difplays : 
Wrath's  mafTv  cloud  upon  the  confeience  break? 
And  thus  menacing  Heav'n,  in  thunder  (peaks  : 
'  Black  wretch,  thou  madly  under  foot  haft  trode 
€  Th'  authority  of  a  commanding  God  ; 
€  Thou,  like  thy  kindred  that  in  Adam  fell,  *} 

*  Art  but  a   ls.w -renverfing  lump  of  hell,  > 

*  And  there  by  law  and  juftice  doom'd  to  dwell. '  J 
Now,  now,  the  daunted  bride  her  ftate  bewail1-, 
And  downwards  furls  her  felf- exalting  fails; 

*  Rom.  iii.  20.     f  Wind,  or  quarter.     }  Ifa.  ii.  17,  19. 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Efpcufais.  43 

With  pungent  fear,  and  piercing  terror  brought 

To  mortify  her  lofty  legal  thought. 

Why,  the  commandment  comes  y  fin  is  revived*, 

That  lay  (o  hid,  while  to  the  lav/  (he  Hv'd  ; 

Infinite  majefty  in  God  is  feen, 

And  infinite  malignity  in  fin  ; 

That  to  its  expiation  mult  amount 

A  facrifiee  of  infinite  account. 

Juflice  its  dire  feverity  difplays, 

The  law  its  vaft  dimenfions  open  iays. 

She  fees  for  this  broad  ftandard  nothing  meet^ 

Save  an  obedience  finlefs  and  complete, 

Her  cob-web  right eoufnefs,  once  in  renown, 

Is  with  a  happy  vengeance  now  fwept  down.    y 

She  who  of  daily  faults  could  once  but  prate, 

Sees  now  her  finful,  miferable  (late.  [dwell, 

Her  heart,  where  once  {he  thought   fome  good  to 

The  devil's  cab'net  fiU'd  w;ith  trafh  of  hell. 

Her  boafled  features  now  unmafked  bare, 

Her  vaunted  hopes  are  plung'd  in  deep  defpair. 

Her  haunted  fhelter-houfe  in  bypaft  years, 

Comes  tumbling  dov/n  about  her  frighted  ears. 

Her  former  rotten  faith,  love,  penitence, 

She  fees  a  bowing  *iva//,  and  lettering  fence. 

Excellencies  of  thought,  and  word  and  deed, 

All  fwimming,  drowning  in  a  fea  of  dread  ; 

Her  beauty  now  deformity  fhe  deems, 

Her  heart  much  blacker  than  the  devil  leems. 

With  ready  lips  fhe  can  herielf  declare 

The  vileft  ever  breath'd  in  vital  air. 

Her  former  hopes,  as  refuges  of  lies, 

Are  fwept  away,  and  all  her  boafting  dies. 

She  once  imagin'd  Heav'n  would  be  unjuft 

To  damn  lb  many  lumps  of  human  dull, 

Rom.  vii.  9. 


44  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  !• 

Form'd  by  himfelf ;   but  now  Hie  owns  it  true, 

Damnation  furely  U  the  Tinner's  due  : 

Yea,  now  applauds  the  law  is  juft  doom  fo  well, 

That  juftly  (he  condemns  herfelf  to  hell ; 

Does  herein  divine  eq<iity  acquit, 

Herfelf  adjudging  to  the  Inweft  pit. 

Her  language,  f  Oh!   if  God  condemn,  I  muft 

f  From  bottom  of  my  foul  declare  him  juft. 

*  But  if  his  great  ialvation  me  embrace, 

f  How  loudly  will  I  fing  furprizing  grace  I 

f  If  from  the  pit  he  to  the  throne  me  raife, 

i   I'll  rival  angels  in  his  end'eis  praile. 

i  If  hell-deferving  me  to  heav'n  he  bring, 

€  No  heart  to  glad,  no  tongue  fo  loud  {hall  ling. 

'  If  wifdom  has  pot  laid  the  faving  plan, 

c  I  nothing  have  to  claim,  I  nothing  can. 

f  My  works  but  fin,  my  merit  death  1  fee  ; 

f  Oh!  mercy,  mercy,  mercy,!  pity  me.' 

Thus  all  feif-juftify:ng  pleas  are  dr«pp'd, 

IVIoft  guilty  ihe  becomes,  her  mouth  is  ftopp'd. 

Pungent  remorfe  does  her  paft  conduct  blame, 

And  flufli  her  conlcious  cheek  with  fpreadingfhame. 

Her  felf -conceited  heart  is  felf- convict, 

With  barbed  arrows  of  ccmptmclirn  prick' d  : 

Wonders,  how  jultice  fpares  her  vital  breath, 

How  patient  Heav'n  adjcurns  the  day  of  wrath  ; 

How  pliant  earth  does  not  with  open  jaws 

Devour  her,  Korah-Iike,  for  equal  caufe  ; 

How  yawning  he!!,  that  gapes  for  fuch  a  prey, 

Is  fruftrare  with  a  further  hour's  delay. 

She  that  conld  once  her  mighty  works  exalt, 

And  boaft  devotion  fram'd   without  a  fault, 

Extol  her  nat'ral  pow'rs,  is  now  brought  down, 

Her  former  madnefs,   not  her  pow'rs  to  oun. 

Her  prefent  beggar'd  (late,  moft  void  of  grace, 

Unable  even  to  wail  her  woful  cafe, 


Chap.  II.  The  Belicvsr* s  Efpoufals. 

Quite  pow'rlefs  to  believe,  repenr,  or  pray  ; 
Thus  pride  of  duties  flies  and  di<"s  away. 
She,  like  a  harden'd  wretch,  a  ftupid  it  me, 
Lies  in  the  dull,   and  cries,    Undone,  Undone, 


4S 


SECT.     III. 

The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved  with  fome  faving  dif- 
coveries  of  Christ  tae  Redeemer. 

WHEN  thu«  the  wounded  bride  perceives  full  well 
Herfelf  tlie  vtleft  (inner  out  of  hell, 
The  blacked  monfter  in  the  univerfe  ; 
Penfive  if  clouds  of  woe  fhall  e'er  difperfe. 
When  in  her  brcaft  HeavVs  wrath  fi.fiercelyglowsV 
'Twixt  fear  and  guilt  her  bones  have  do  repofe. 
When  flawing  billows  of  amazmg  dread 
Swell  to  a  deluge  o'er   her  (inking  head  ; 
When  nothing  in  her  heart  is  found  to  dwell, 
But  horrid  Aiheifm,  enmity,  and  hell  ; 
When  endlefs  death  and  ruin  feems  at  hand, 
And  yet  {he  cannot  for  her  fool  command 
hftgh  to  eafe  it,  or  a  gracious  thought , 
Though  heav'n  could  at  this  petty  rate  be  bought* 
When  duknefsand  confufion  overcloud, 
And  unto  black  defpair  temptations  croud  i 
When  wholly  without  flrength  to  move  or  ftir. 
And  not  a  ftar  by  night  appears  to  her  : 
But  (he,  while  to  the  brim  her  trouble^  flow, 
Stands,  trembling  on  the  utmoft  brink  of  woe. 
Ah  1   weary  cafe  !   Bur,  lo  !  in  this  fad  plight 
The  iun  arifes  with  furprifing  light. 
The  darkeft  midnight  is  his  ufual  time 
Of  rifmg  and  appearing  in  his  prime, 
To  (hew  the  hills  from  whence  ffilvation  fprings, 

And  chafe  the  gloomy  fhades  with  golden  wings,. 


46  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I 

The  ojlorious  Hufband  now  avails  his  face. 
And  mews  his  glory  full  of  truth  and  grace  *; 
Prefents  unto  the  bride  in  that  dark  hour, 
Himfelf  a  Saviour,  both  by  price  and  pow'r  : 
A  mighty  helper  to  redeem  the  loft, 
Relieve  and  ranfom  to  the  uttermoftf  ; 
To  feek  the  vagrant  iheep  to  deferts  driv'n, 
And  fave  from  loweft  hell  to  higheft  heav'n. 
Her  doleful  cafe  he  fees,  his  bowels  move, 
And  makes  her  time  of  need,  his  time  of  lovej; 
He  {hews,  to  prove  himfelf  his  mighty  fhield, 
His  name  is  JESUS,  by  his  Father  feal'd  :  \\ 
A  name  with  attributes  engrav'd  within, 
To  fave  from  ev'ry  attribute  of  fin. 
With  wifdom  fin's  great  folly  to  expofe, 
And  righteoufnefs  its  chain  of  guilt  to  loofe, 
SanClification  to  fubdue  its  fway, 
Redemption  all  its  woful  brood  to  flay  §• 
Each  golden  letter  of  his  glorious  name 
Bears  full  deliv'rance  both  from  firt  and  fhame. 
Yea,  not  privation  bare  from  fin  and  woe. 
But  thence  all  pofuive  falvation  flew, 
To  make  her  wife,  juft,  holy,  happy  too. 
He  now  appears  a  match  exaclly  meet 
To  make  her  ev'ry  way  in  him  complete, 
In  whom  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwells  * , 
That  (he  may  boaft  in  him,  and  nothing  elfe. 
In  gofpel  lines  (lie  now  perceives  the  dawn 
Of  Jems'  love  with  bloody  pencil  drawn  ; 
How  God  in  him  is  infinitely  pleas'd, 
And  Heav  n's  avenging  fury  whole  appeas'd  : 
Law- precepts  magoify'd  by  her  beiov'd, 
And  ev'ry  let  to  it  op  the  match  remov'd. 

*  John  i.   1 4*      t  Heb.  vii.  25.       \  Ezek.  xvi-  6,  8. 
I  Matt.  1.  21.     §  1  Cor.  i.  Jp.      *  Col.  ii.   9,   iai 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Efpoufals.  a! 

Now  in  her  view  her  prifon-gates break  ope, 
Wide  to  the  walls  flies  up  the  door  of  hope  ; 
And  now  (he  fees  with  pleafure  unexprefs'd 
For  fhatter'd  barks  a  happy  fhoreof  reft. 

SECT.     IV. 

The  working  of  the  Spirit  of  faith  in  feparating  the  heart 
from  all  felf-righteoufnefs,  and  drawing  out  its  confent 
to,  and  defire  after  Christ  alone  and  wholly. 

THE  bride  at  Sinai  little  underftood,     [good, 
How  thefe  law-humblings  were  defign'd  for 
T*  enhance  the  valae  of  her  Hufband's  blood. 
The  tow'r  of  tott'ring  pride  thus  batter'd  down, 
Makes  way  for  Chrift  alone  to  wear  the  crown. 
Conviction's  arrows  pierc'd  her  heart,  that  fo 
The  blood  from  his  pierc'd  heart,  to  hers  might  flow. 
The  law's  fharp  plough  tears  up  the  fallow  ground, 
Where  not  a  grain  of  grace  was  to  be  found, 
Hii  ftraight  perhaps  behind  the  plough  is  fown 
The  hidden  feed  of  faith,  as  yet  unknown. 
Hence  now  the  once  reluclant  bride's  inclin'd 
To  give  the  gofpel  an  ajfenting  mind, 
y.fpos'd  to  take,  would  grace  the  pow'r  impart, 
ieav'n's  offer  with  a  free  confenting  heart. 
lis  Spirit  in  the  gofpel  chariot  rides, 
ind  fhews  his  loving  heart  to  draw  the  bride's  ; 
^ hough  oft  in  clouds  bis  drawing  pow'r  he  hides, 
lis  love  in  gracious  offers  to  her  bears, 
i  kindly  anfwers  to  her  doubts  and  fear?, 
efolving  all  objections  more  or  lefs 
rom  former  fins,  or  prefent  worthieflhefs. 
erfuades  her  mind  of's  conjugal  confent, 
nd  then  impow'rs  her  heart  to  fay,  Content, 
ontent  to  be  divorced  from  the  law, 
o  more  the  yoke  of  legal  terms  to  draw. 


48  Gospel    Sonnets.  Parti. 

Content  that  he  diffblve  the  former  match, 

And  to  himfelf  alone  her  heart  attach. 

Content  to  join  with  Chtifr.  at  any  rate, 

And  wed  him  as  her  everlaftingr  mate. 

Content  that  he  fhould  ever  wear  the  bays, 

And  of  her  whole  falvation  have  the  praife. 

Content  that  he  mould  rife,  though  d\Q  mould  fall, 

And  to  be  nothing,  that  he  may  be  all. 

Content  that  he,  becaufe  fhe  nought  can  do, 

Do  for  her  all  her  work,  and  in  her  too. 

Here  fhs  a  peremptory  mind  difplays, 

That  he  do  all  the  work^  get  all  the  praife. 

And  now  {he  is,  which  ne'er  till  now  took  place,* 

Content  entirely  to  be  fav'd  by  g-ace. 

She  owns  that  her  damnation  juftr  wbuld  be, 

And  therefore  her  falvation  mult  be  free  : 

That  nothing  being  hers  but  fin  and  thrall, 

She  mull  be  debtor  unto  grace  for  all. 

Hence  comes  {lie  to  him  in  her  naked  cafe^* 
To  be  inverted  with  his  rightecufnels. 
She  come?,   as  guilty,  to  a  pardon  free  ; 
As  vile  and  filthy,  to  a  deanfing  lea  :' 
As  poor  and  empty,  to  the  richeft  (lock  ; 
As  weak  and  feeble  to  the  ftrongeit  rock: 
As  perifhina,  unto  a  fhield  from  thrall; 
As  worfe  than  nothing,  to  an  all  in  all. 
She  is  a  blinded  mole,  an  igu'rant  fool, 
Comes  for  inft  ruction  to  the  Prophet's  fchool. 
She,  with  a  hel'i-defervirig  confcious  breaft  -9 
Flees  for  atonement  to  the  worthy  Prieft. 
She,  as  a  fiave  to  fin  and  Satan,   wings 
Her  flight  for  help  unto  the  King  of  king?, 
She  all  her  maladies  and  plagues  brings  forth 
To  t his  Phviician  of  eternal  worth. 
She  fpreads  before  hi5  throne  her  filthy  lore  ; 
And  lays  tier  broken  bones  down  at  his  door. 


Chap.   II.  The   Believer's   Fftoujxls.  49 

No  mitt  (he  has  to  buy  a  crumb  of  blifs, 
And  therefore  comes  impov'i  iihed,  as  (he  is, 
By  fin  and  Satan  of  all  good  bereft, 
Comes  e'en  as  bare  as  they  her  foul  have  leit. 
To  fenfe,  as  free  of  holinefs  within, 
As  Chrift:  the  fporlefs  Lamb,  was  free  of  fin. 
She  comes  by  faith,  true  ;  but  it  faews   her  w,4nfj 
And  brings  her  as  a  finner,  not  a  laint  ; 
A  wretched  finner  flying  for  her  good, 
To  jullifying,  fancftifying  blood. 
Strong  faith  no  ftrength  nor  pow'rof  acling,  vaunt?, 
But  acts  in  fenfe  of  weaknefs  and  of  want?. 
Drain'd  now  of  ev'ry  things  that  men  may  call 
Terms  and  conditions  of  relief  from  thrall; 
Except  this  one  that  Jefus  be  her  all. 
When  to  the  bride  he  gives  efpoufing  faith, 
It  finds  her  under  fin,  and  guilt,  and  wrath, 
And  makes  her  as  a  plagued  wretch  to  fall 
At  Jefus  footftuol  for  the  cure  of  all. 
Her  whole  fa  1  vat  ion  now  in  him  (he  fecks, 
And  muling  thus  perhaps  in  fee  ret  fpeaks : 
1  Lo!   all  my  burdens  may  in  him  be  easM 
Thejuflice  I  offended  he  haspieas'd  ; 
The  blifs  that  I  have  forfeit  he  procured  ; 
The  curfe  that  I  deferved  be  endur'd  ; 
The  law  that  I  have  broken  he  obey'd.j 
The  debt  that  1  contracted  he  has  paid  \m 
And  though  a  march  unfit  for  him  1  be. 
I  find  him  ev'rv  way  mofl  fit  for  me. 
'Sweet  Lord,  1  think,  would  thou  thy  ell  .   r^arr, 
I'd  vvelcome  thee  with  open  hand  and  heart. 
But  tbou  that  faveft  by  price  mull  lave  by  puwVi 
O  ftr,d  thy  Spirit  in  a  fiery  fkow*tf, 
This  cold  and  frozen  heart  of  mine  to  thaw, 
That  nought,  lave  cords  of  burning  love,  can  d:  aw 


B 


$o  GospelSonnets.  Part  I. 

0  draw  me,  Lord,  then  will  I  run  to  thee, 
And  glad  into  thy  glowing  bofom  flee. 

1  own  rnyfeif  a  mafs  of  fin  and  hell, 
A  brat  that  can  do  nothing  but  rebel 
But  didft  thou  not,  as  facred  pages  (hew  *, 
(When  rifing  up  to  fpoil  the  hellifh  crew, 
That  had  by  thonfands,  Tinners  captive  made, 
And  hadft  in  conq'ri.n;  chains  them  captive  led), 
Get  donatives,  not  for  thy  proper  gain, 
But  royal  bounties  for  rebellious  men, 
Gifts,  graces,  and  the  Spirit  without  bounds, 
For  God's  new  houfe  with  man  on  firmer  grounds? 
O  then  let  me  a  rebel  now  come  i'peed, 
Thy  holy  Spirit  is  the  gift  I  need. 
His  precious  graces  too,  the  glorious  grant, 
Thou  kindly  promised,  and  1  greatly  want. 
Thou  art  exalted  to  the  higheft  place, 
To  give  repentance  forth,  and  ev'ry  grace  -j-. 
O  Giver  of  fpiritual  life  and  breath, 
The  author  and  the  fmifhtr  of  faith  £  ; 
Thou  huiband-like  mult  ev'ry  thing  provide, 

4  If  e'er  the  like  of  me  become  thy  bride.' 

SECT.     V. 

Faith's  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  cordial  renuncia- 
tion of  all  its  own  ragged  righteoufnefs,  and  formal 
acceptance  of  and  doling,  with  the  perfon  of  glorious' 
Christ. 

THE  bride  with  oped  eyes,  that  once  were  dim, 
Sees  now  her  whole  ialvaticn  lies  in  him  ; 
The  Prince,  who  is  not  in  defpenfiag  nice, 
But  freely  gives  without  her  pains  or  price. 
This  magnifies  the  wonder  in  her  eye, 
Who  no;  a  farthing  has  wherewith  to  buy  ; 

Pfal,  lxyiii.  1 8.        f  Afts.  v-  Zl-        \  Heb-  *&  2 


Chap.   II.  The  Believer's  Ffpoufals.  51 

For  now  her  humbled  mind  can  difavow 
Her  boafted  beauty  and  alTuming  brow ; 
With  confcious  eye  difcern  her  emptinefs, 
With  candid  lips  her  poverty  confefs. 
i  O  glory  to  the  Lord,  that  grace  is  free, 
'  Elie  never  would  it  light  on  guilty  me. 
*  I  nothing  have  with  me  to  be  its  price, 
4  But  heilifh  blackneis,  enmity,  and  vice.' 
In  former  times  fhedurfl:  preiumingcome 
To  grace's  market  with  a  petty  ium 
Of  duties,  prayers,  tears,  a  boafted  fet, 
Expecting  Heav'n  would  thus  be  in  her  debt. 
Thefe  were  the  price,  at  leaft  (he  did  fuppofe 
She'd  be  the  welcomer  becaufe  of  thofe : 
But  now  fhe  fee's  the  vilenefs  of  her  vogue; 
The  dung  that  dole  doth  ev'ry  duty  clog  j 
The  fin  that  doth  her  holiuefs  reprove, 
The  enmity  that  clofe  attends  her  love  ; 
The  great  heat-hardnefs  of  her  penitence, 
The  llupid  dulnefs  of  her  vaunted  fenfe; 
The  unbelief  of  former  blazed  faith, 
The  utter  nothingnefs  of  all  {lie  hath. 
The  blackneis  of  her  beauty  (he  can  fee, 
The  pompous  pride  of  llraiu'd  humility, 
The  naughtinefs  of  all  her  tears  and  pray'rs, 
And  now  renounces  all  as  worthlels  wares; 
And  finding  nothing  to  commend  her  ft  If, 
But  what  might  damn  her,  her  embezzled  pelf; 
At  fov'reign  grace's  feet  does  proftrate  fall, 
Content  to  be  in  Jefus'  debt  for  all. 
Her  noifed  virtues  vanifh  out  of  fight, 
As  ftarry  tapers  at  meridian  light ; 
While  fweerly,  humbly,  fhe  beholds  at  length 
Chrift,  as  her  only  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength. 
He  with  the  view  throws  down  his  loving  dart, 
Impreft  with  pow'r  into  her  lender  heart. 


%z  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I- 

The  deeper  that  the  law's  fierce  dart  was  thrown, 
The  deeper  now  the  dart  of  love  goes  down  : 
Hence,  fweetly  pain'd,  her  cries  to  heav'n  do  flee  ; 
O  none  but  Jefus,  none  but  Chrift  for  me  : 
O  glorious  Chrift,  O  beauty,  beauty  rare, 
Ten  thoufand  thcufand  heav'ns  are  not  fofair. 
In  him  at  once  all  beauties  meet  and  fhine, 
The  white  and  ruddy,   human  and  divine. 
As  in  his  low,  he's  in  his  high  abode, 
The  blighted  image  of  the  unfeen  God  *. 
How  juftly  do  the  harpers  fing  above, 
His  doing,  dying,  riling,  reigning  love  ! 
How  juftly  does  he,  when  his  work  is  done, 
Poflfefs  the  centre  of  his  Father's  throne  I 
How  juftly  does  his  awful  throne  befora 
f  Seraphic  armies  proftrate  him  adore  ; 
J  That's  both  by  nature  and  donation  crownJd, 
With  all  the  grandeur  of  the  Godhead  round: 
1  But  wilt  thou,  Lord,  in  very  deed  eotne  dwell 
*  With  me,  that  was  a  burning  brand  of  hell? 
?    With  me  fo  juftly  reckon'd  worfe  and  lefs 
*   Than  infect,  mite,  or  atom  can  exprefs  ? 
f  Will  thcu  dtb.ife  thy  high  imperial  form, 
f  To  march  with  fuch  a  mortal,  crawling  worm  ? 
i  Yea,  lure  thine  errand  to  our  earthly  coaft, 
s  Was  in  deep  love  to  fee!:  and  favsi  the  loft  f  ; 
'  And  fince  thou  deign'd  the  like  of  me  to  wed, 
'  O  come  and  make  my  heart  thy  marriage-bed, 
'  Fair  Jefus,  wilt  thou  marry  filthy  me  I 
\  Amen,  Amen,  Amen  ;   fo  let  it  be. 

*  Heb.  i.  Z-  t  Luke  xix.  iA. 


Chap.  III.  The  Believer's  Efpcupts,  53 

CHAP-     III. 

The  Fruits  of  the  believer's  marriage 
with  Christ,  particularly  gofpel-ho- 
linefs  and  obedience  to  the  law  as  a 
rule. 

SECT.     I. 

The  Tweet  folemnity  of  the  marriage  now  over,  and  the 
lad  effects  of  the  remains  of  a  legal  ipirk. 

TH  £  match  is  made  with  little  noife  'tis  done, 
But  with  great  power,  unequal  prizes  won. 
The  Lamb  has  fairly  won  his  worthlels  bride; 
She  her  great  Lord,  and  all  his  ftore  belide. 
He  made  the  pooreil  bargain,  though  mod  wife; 
And  (he,  the  fool,  has  won  the  worthy  prize. 

Deep  floods  of  everlafting  love  and  arace, 
That  under  ground  ran  an  eternal  fpace, 
Now  rife  aloft  'bovc  banks  of  fin  and  hell, 
And  o'er  the  tops  of  rnafTy  mountains  fwell. 
In  itreams  of  blood  are  tovv'rs  of  guilt  o'erflown, 
Down  with  the  rapid  purple  current  thrown. 

The  bride  now  as  her  all  cain  Jefus  own, 
And  predate  as  his  tbotft<  ol  cult  ner  crown, 
Declaiming  all  her  former  grourdlefs  hope, 
While  in  toe  dark  her  foul  did  v        v  grt)p*g 
Down  tumble  all  the  the  hills  of  fell-conceit, 
In  him  aione  fne  fees  berfelf  conip't'.y  ; 
Does  his  fair  perfon  with  fond  arms  imbrace, 
And  all  her  hopes  on  his  full  merit  place  ; 
Difcard  her  former  mate,  and  henceforth  draw. 
No  hope,  no  expect aiion  from  the  law. 

Though  thus  her  new-created  nature  foars, 
And  lives  aloft  on  Jefus'  heav'nly  ftore»s  \ 

€ 


54  Gospel   Sonnets.  Parti. 

Yet  apt  to  ftray,  her  old  adult'rous  heart 
Oft  takes  her  old  renounced  hufband's  part : 
A  legal  cov'nant  is  fo  deep  ingrain'd, 
Upon  the  human  nature  laps'd  and  ftain'd, 
That,  till  her  fpirit  mount  the  pureft  clime, 
She's  never  totally  divorc'd  in  time. 
Hid  in  her  corrupt  part's  proud  bcfom  lurks 
Some  hope  of  life  ftill  by  the  law  of  works. 
Hence  flow  the  following  evils  more  or  lei's : 
referring  oft  her  partial  holy  drefs, 
Before  her  Hulbiind's  perfect  righteoufnefs. 

Hence  joying  more  in  grace  already  giv'n 
Than  in  her  Head  and  ftock  that's  all  in  heav'n. 
Hence  grieving  mere  the  want  of  frames  and  grace, 
Than  of  him  (elf  the  fpring  of  all  folace. 

Hence  guilt  her  foul  i'rriprifons,  iuits  prevail, 
While  to  the  law  her  rents  infolent  fail,       [bail. 
And  yet  her  fakhlefs  heart  rejects  her  Hufband's 

Hence  foul  diforders  rife  and  racking  fears, 
While  doubtful  of  his  clearing  pad  arrears  ; 
Vain  dreaming^  fince  her  own  obedience  fails, 
His  likev/jfe  little  for  her  help  avails. 

Hence  duties  are  a  talk,  while  all  in  view 
Is  heavy  yokes  of  law?,  or  old  or  new  : 
Whereas^  were  Gnce  her  legal  bias  broke, 
She'd  find  her  Lord's  command  an  eafy  yoke. 
No  gailiag  precepts  on  her  neck  be  lays, 
Nor  any  debt  demands,  five  what  he  pays 
By  prorais'cl  aid  ;   but  lo !   the  grevious  law, 
Demanding  brick,  won't  aid  her  with  aftraw. 

Hence  ajfo  fretful,  grudging,  difconten-r,  ~) 

Crav'd  by  the  law,  finding  her  treafure  fpent,      £' 
Bnd  doubting  if  her  Lord  will  pav  the  rent. 
Hence  pride  of  duties  too  does  often  fwell, 
FrefumLng  foe  perfonai'd  fo  very  well, 


Chap.  III.  The  BcReoers  EjfoufaU.  55 

Hence  pride  of  graces  and  inherent  worth 
Springs  from  her  corrupt  legal  bias  forth  ; 
And  boaftirig  more  a  prefer* t  withering  frame 
Than  her  exalted  Lord's  unfading  name. 

Hence  many  falls  and  plunges  in  the  mire, 
As  many  new  converfions  do  require  : 
Bccaufe  her  faithlefs  heart  fad  follies  breed, 
Much  lewd  departure  from  her  living  Head, 
Who,   to  reprove  her  aggravated  crimes, 
Leaves  her  abandoned  to  kerfelf  at  times ; 
Thar,  failing  into  frio-htful  deeps,  flie  may 
From  fad  experience  learn  more  flrefs  to  lay, 
Not  on  her  native  efforts,  but  at  length 
OnChriit  alone,  her  righteoufnefs  and  tlrength  : 
Confcious,   while  in  her  works  fhe  Peeks  repofe, 
Her  legal  fpirit  breeds  her  many  woes. 


SECT.     II. 

F:  vittqries  over  fin  and  Satan,  through  new  and  far- 

ther gilcoveries  of  Christ,    making    believers  more 
fruitful  in  holinels  than  all  other  pretenders  to  works. 

THE  gofpel-path  leads  heav'n- ward  ;  hence  the 
pow'rsftiH  pnih  the  bride  the  legal  way.   [fray, 
So  hoc  the  war,  her  life's  a  troubled  flood, 
A  Held  of  battle,  and  a  fcene  of  blocd. 
But  he  that  once  commenced  the  work  in  her, 
Whole  working  fingers  drop  the  fweetefi  myrrh, 
Wffl  (t;il  advance  it  by  alluring  force, 
And,   from  her  ancient  mate,  more  clean  divorce  s 
Since  'tis  her  antiquated  fpoufe  the  law, 
The  ftrentfth  of  fin  and  he!)  did  on  her  draw, 
riece-rneal  fhe  finds  hell's  mighty  force  abate, 
By  new  recruits  from  her  almighty  Mare. 
Frefh  armcur  lent  from  grace's  magazine, 
flakes  her  proclaim  eternal  war  with  fin. 


5 


Go  spec   Sonnets, 


Part  I. 


The  ftiield  of  faith,  dipt  in  the  Surety's  blood, 

Drowns  fiery  darts,  as  in  a  crimfon  flood. 

The  Captain's  ruddy  banner,  lifted  high, 

Makes  hell  retire,  and  ail  the  furies  fly. 

Yea,  of  his  glory  every  recent  glance 

Makes  (in  decay,  and  holinefs  advance. 

In  kindnefs  therefore  does  her  heav'nly  Lord 

Renew'd  difcov'ries  of  his  love  afford, 

That  herenamour'd  foul  may  with  the  view 

Be  caft  into  his  holy  mould  anew  : 

For  when  he  manifefts  his  glorious  grace, 

The  charming  favour  of  his  fmiling  face, 

Into  his  image  fair  transforms  her  foul  *  , 

And  wafts  her  upward  ro  the  heav'nly  pole, 

From  glory  unto  glory  by  degrees, 

Till  vifion  and  fruition  (hall  fuffice. 

And  thus  in  holy  beauty  Jems'  bride 

Shines  far  beyond  the  painted  fons  of  pride, 

Vain  merit- vouchers,  and  their  iubtle  apes, 

In  all  their  mod  refm'd,  delufive  fh.apes. 

No  lawful  child  is  ere  the  marriage  bom  ; 

Though  therefore  virtues  feign'd  their  life  adorn. 

The  fruit  they  bear  is  but  fpurious  brood, 

Before  this  happy  marriage  be  made  good. 

And  'tis  not  ft  range  ;   for,  from  a  corrupt  tree 

No  fruit  divinely  good  produc'd  can  be  [. 

But  lo  !    the  bride,  graft  in  the  living  lioor, 

Beings  forth  moft  precious  aromatic  fruit. 

When  her  new  heart  and  her  new  Hufband  meet, 

Her  fruitful  womb  is  like  a  heap  of  wheat,  "j 

Befet  with  fragrant  lilies  round  about  f, 

All  divine  graces,  in  a  comely  rout, 

Burning  within,  and  fhining  bright  without. 

*  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  J  Matt.  vii.  17,  18. 

t  Cant,  vii  2. 


j 


Chap.  III.  f6c  Believer's  Efpcufals.  57 

And  thus  the  bride,  as  facred  fcripture  faith, 

When  dead  unto  the  law  through  Jefus'death  *, 

And  match'd  with  him,  bears  to  her  God  and  Lord 

Accepted  fruit,   with  incenfepure  decor'd. 

Freed  from  law-debt,  and  blefs'd  with  gofpel  eafe, 

Her  work  is  now  her  deareft  Lord  to  pleafe, 

By  living  on  him  as  her  ample  flock, 

And  leaning  to  him  as  her  potent  rock. 

The  fruit,  that  each  law  wedded  mortal  brings 

To  felf  accrefces,  as  from  felf  it  fprings. 

So  bafe  a  rife  miift  have  a  bafe  recourfe, 

The  dream  can  mount  no  higher  than  its  fource. 

But  Jefus  can  his  bride's  fweet  fruit  commend, 

As  brought  from  him  the  root,  to  him  the  end. 

She  does  by  fuch  an  offspring  hir^  avow 

To  be  her  Alpha  and  Omega  tfcjo. 

The  work  and  warfare  he  begins,  he  crowns, 

Though  maugre  various  conflict?,  ups  and  downsj 

Thus  through  the  darkfome  vale  fhe  makes  her  way 

Until  the  morning-dawn  of  glory's  day. 

SECT.     III. 

rue  faving  faith  magnifying  the  law,  both  as  a  covenant, 
and  as  a  rule.     Falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruining. 

PROUD  nature  may  reject  this  gofpel- 1 he me^ 
And  curfe  it  as  an  Antinomian  icheme. 
Let  (Under  bark,  let  envy  grin  and  fight, 
The  curie  that  is  fo  caufelefs  {hall  not  light  -j*. 
If  they  that  fain  would  make  by  holy  force 
'Twixt  finners  and  the  law  a  clean  divorce, 
And  court  the  Lamb  a  virgin  chafte  to  wife, 
Be  charg'd  as  foes  to  holinefs  of  life, 

*  Rom.  vii-  4.  \  Prov.  xxvi.  2. 


S8 


Gospel  Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


Weil  may  they  differ  gladly  on  this  fcore, 

Apoftles  great  was  fo  malign'd  before. 

Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith  J?  nay, why, 

We  do  it  more  fulfil  and  magnify 

Then  fiery  feraphs  can  with  holieft  flam ; 

Avant,  vain  leg&lifts,  unwonhy  trafh. 

When  as  a  covenant  ftern  the  law  commands, 
Faith  puts  her  Lamb's  obedience  in  its  hands ; 
And  when  its  threats  guih  out  a  fiery  flood, 
Faith  flops  the  current  with  her  victim's  blood. 
The  law  can  crave  no  more,  yet  craves  no  lefs, 
Than  adlive,  paffive,  per  feci  righteoulbefs. 
Yet  here  is  all,  yea,  more  than  its  demand, 
All  render'd  to  it  by  a  diVine  baud. 
Mankind  is  bound  law-ftrvue  Mill  to  pay, 
Yea,  angel-kind  is  alio  bound  tf  obey. 
It  may  by  human  and  angelic  blaze 
Have  honour,  but  in  finite  partial  ways. 
Thefe  natures  have  its  luftre  once  defae'd, 
'Twill  be  by  part  of  both  for  ay  difgrae'd, 
Yet,   had  they  all  obfequious  ftood  and  true, 
They'd  giv  n  the  law  no  more  than  homage  due. 
But  faith  gives't  honour  yet  more  great,  more  odd, 
The  high,  the  humble  lervice  of  its  God. 

Again  to  view  the  holy  law's  command, 
As  lodged  in  a  Mediator's  hand  ; 
Faith  gives  it  honour,  as  a  rule  of  life, 
And  makes  the  bride  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife. 
Due  homage  to  the  law  thofe  never  did, 
To  whom  th*  obedience  pure  of  faith  is  hid. 
Faith  works  by  love*,  and  purifies  the  heartf, 
And  truth  advances  in  the  inward  part ; 
On  carnal  hearts  imprefTes  divine  itamps, 
And  fully'd  lives  inverts  to  mining  lamps. 


I  Rom.  iii.  31. 


Eph.  ii.   10.         f  Gal.  v.  Q. 


Chzp.  III.  The  Believer" }s  Ef(joufah.  $9 

From  Abram's  [ted  that  are  moil  flrong  in  faith. 

The  law  moil  honour,  God  molt  glory  hath. 

But  due  refnec't  to  neither  can  be  found,  "| 

Where  unbelief  ne'er  got  a  mortal  wound,  [ 

To  (till  the  virtue-vaunter's  empty  found.  J 

Good  works  he  boafts,  a  path  he  never  trode, 

Who  is  not  yet  the  workmanfhip  of  God  J, 

In  Jefus  thereunto  created  new  ; 

Nois'd  works  that  fpring  not  hence  are  but  a  fhew. 

True  faith,  that's  of  a  noble  divine  race, 

Is  Hill  a  holy  fandlifying  grace  : 

And  ureater  honour  to  the  law  does  fliare, 

Than  boaiters  all  that  breathe  the  vital  air. 

Ev'n  heathen  morals  vaftly  may  outfhine 

The  works  that  flow  not  from  a  faith  divine. 

Pretenfions  high  to  faith  a  number  have, 
But,  ah  !   it  is  a  faith    that  cannot  fave  : 
We  trull,  fay  they,  in  Chrift,   we  hope  in  God  i 
Nor  blufh  to  blaze  their  rotten  faith  abroad. 
Nor  try  the  trull  of  which  they  make  a  fhew, 
U  of  a  laving  or  a  damning  hue. 
They  own  their  fins  are  ill;   true,   but  'tis  fad 
They  never  thought  their  faith   and  hope  were 
How  evident'sthtir  home-bred  nat'ral  blaze,  [bad. 
Who  dream  they  have  believ'd  well  all  their  days ; 
Yet  never  felt  their  unbelief,  nor  knew 
Toe  need  of  pow'r  their  nature  to   renew  t 
Blind  (ouls  that  boail  of  faith,  yet  live  in  (in, 
May  hence  conclude  their  faith  is  to  begin  ; 
Or  know  they  fhail,  by  fecli  an  airy  faith, 
Believe  ihemlelves  to  eveilaflino;  wrath. 
Faith  tliat  nor  leads  to  good,  nor  keeps  from  ill, 
Will  never  lead  to  heav'n,  nor  keep  from  hell. 
The  body  without  breath  is  dead*  ;  no  lefs 
Is  faith  without  the  works  of  holinefs  f . 

X  Eph.  ii.  9.     *  James  ii,  26,     f  James  ii.  1  7?  20* 


Co  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  h 

How  rare  is  faving  faith,   when  earth  is  cramm'd 
With  fuch  as  will  believe,  and  yet  be  damn'd  ; 
Believe  the  gofpel,  yet  with  dread  and  awe 
Have  never  truly  firft  believ'd  the  law  ? 
That  matters  fhall  be  well,  they  hope  too  foon 
Who  never  yet  have  feen  they  were  undone. 
Can  of  falvation  their  belief  be  true, 
Who  never  yet  believ'd  damnation  due  ? 
Can  thefe  of  endlefs  life  have  folid  faith, 
Who  never  fear'd  law- threats  of  endlefs  death  : 
Nay,  fail'd  they  ha'nt  yet  to   the  healing  fhore; 
Who  never  felt  their  finful,  woful  fore. 

Imaginary  faith  is  but  a  blind. 
That  bears  no  fruit  but  of  a  deadly  kind  : 
Nor  can  from  fuch  a  wild  unwholefome  root 
The  lead  production  rife  of  living  fruit. 
But  faving  faith  can  fuch  an  offspring  breed, 
Her  native  product  is  a  holy  {~eed. 
The  fa i reft  i flues  of  the  vital  breath 
Springs  from  the  fertile  womb  of  heav'n-born  faith  j 
Yet  boafts  (he  nothing  of  her  own,  but  brings 
Auxiliaries  from  the  King  of  kings, 
Who  graves  his  royal  law  in  rocky  hearts, 
And  graciousaid  in  foftening  fnow'rs  imparts: 
This  gives  prolific  virtue  to  the  faith, 
Infpir'd  at  firft  by  his  almighty  breath. 
Hence,  fetching  all  her  fuccours  from  abroad/ 
She  ffiill  employs  this  mighty  pow'r  of  God. 
Drained  clean  of  native  pow'rs  and  legal  aim?, 
No  ftreogth  but  in  and  from  Jehovah  claims:' 
And  thus  her  fervice  to  the  law  o'ertops 
The  tow'ring  zeal  of  Fharifaic  fops. 


Chap,  III.      The  Believer's  EJp&ufoh.  £t 

SECT.     IV. 

The  Believer  only,  being  married  to  Chi  iff,  isjuilitied  a::  J. 
fanclified  :  and  the  more  gofpel  frerdom  from  the  lav- 
as a  covenant,  the  more  holy  conformity  to  it  as  a  rule. 

THUS  doth  the  Hufband  by  his  Father's  will 
Both  for  and  in  his  bride  the  law  fulfill : 
For  her,  as  'tis  a  covenant ;   and  then 
In  her,  as  'tis  a  rule  of  life  to  men. 
Firft,  all  law-debt  he  mod  completely  pays, 
Then  of  law  duties  all  the  charge  defrays. 
Does  firft  aflumc  her  guilt,  and  loofe  her  chains, 
And  then  with  living  water  wafh  her  flains  , 
Her  fund  reftore,  and  then  her  form  repair, 
And  makes  his  filthy  bride  a  beauty  fair  ; 
His  perfect  righttoufnefs  muft  freely  grant, 
And  then  his  holy  image  deep  implant ; 
Into  her  heart  his  precious  ie^d  indrop. 
Which  in  his  time  will  yield  a  glorious  crop. 
Bur  by  alternate  turns  his  plants  he  brings 
Through  robbing  v/inters  and  repairing  fprinns. 
Hence,   pining  oft,  they  fuffer  fad  decays 
B/  dint  of  fhady  nights  and  ft  or  my  days. 
But  bled  with  lap,  and  influence  from  above, 
They  live  and  grow  anew  in  faith  and  Iovq  , 
Unci]  tranfplanteH  ro  the  higher  lod, 
Where  furies  tread  no  more,   nVrloies  fpo'.L 
While  Chnft  rhe  i         \  foot  t^fhajns  >.\  :..  -.. 
i  ne  i!(.'bie  punt  o-  or  ice  can  never  die  , 
Nature  decays,   a;).!  fo  w  ill  all  the  Fruit 
Triar  merely  rties  on  a  mortal  n>ut. 

■       '     >-,   hi         Jer  fplendid,   are  but  dct,;; 
That  from  a  liv'n  ^  fountain  don't  proceed  ; 
Thtrir  iVireft  fruit  is  but  a  garnifh'd  Ihrine, 
That  are  not  grafted  in   t\  e     Icriyus  V;   e« 


C 


62  Gospel    Sonnets,  ,  Part  I. 

Devout  eft  hypocrites  are  rank'd  in  rolis 
Of  painted  puppets,  not  of  living  fouls. 

No  off-pring  but  of  Chrift's  fair  bride  is  good, 
This  happy  marriage  has  a  holy  brood. 
Let  (fritters  learn  his  myftery  to  read, 
We  bear  ro  glorious  Chrift  no  precious  feed, 
Till  through  the  law,   we  to  the  law  be  dead*. 
No  true  obedience  to  the  law,  but  forc'd, 
Can  any  yield,  till  from  the  law  divorc'd. 
Nor  to  it,  as  a  rule  is  homage  giv'n, 
T'xWfrom  it,  as  a  covenant*  men  be  driv'n. 
Yea  more,  till  once  they  this  divorce  attain, 
Divorce  from  (in  they  but  attempt  in  vain  ; 
The  curled  yoke  of  (in  they  bafely  draw, 
Till  once  unyoked  from  the  curling  law* 
Sin's  full  dominion  keeps  its  native  place, 
While  men  are  under  law,  not  under  grace  \. 
For  mighty  hills  of  enmity  won't  move, 
Till  touched  by  conquering  grace  and  mighty  love, 

Were  but  the  goipel -itcret  understood; 
How  God  can  pardon  where  he  fees  no  good  ; 
How  grace  and  mercy  free,  that  can't  be  bought, 
Reign  through  a  righteoufnefs  already  wrought  : 
Were  wofui  reigning  unbelief  depos'd, 
Myfterious  grace  to  blinded  minds  difclos'd  j 
Did  Keav'n  with  goipel-news  its  pow'r  convey, 
And  iinners  hear  a  faithful  God  but  fay, 

*  No  more  law-debt  remains  for  you  to  pay  ; 

*  Lo,  by  the  loving  Surety. all's  difcharg'd,' 
Their  hearts  behov'd  with  love  to  be  eoiarc'd  : 
Love,    the  fuccihift  fulfilling  of  the  law  %y 
Were  then  the  eiiy  yoke  they'd  fweetly  draw; 
Love  would,  conftrain  and  to  his  fervice  move, 
Who  left  them  nothing  ehe  to  do  but  love. 


*  Gal.  ii.  19.  f  Rom.  vi.   i4« 


\  Rom.  xiii.  l$ 


Chap.  III.         The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  63 

Slight  now  his  loving  precepts  if  they  can  ; 
No,  no  ;  his  conqu'rinfr  kind  ne  fa  leads  the  van. 
When  everlafting  love  exerts  the  fway,         [key, 
They  judge  themielves  more   kindly  boundly  t'o- 
Bound  by  redeeming  grace  in  itricler  fenie 
Than  ever  Adam  was  in  innocence. 
Why  now,  they  are  not  bound,  zs  formerly, 
To  do  and  live,  nor  yet  to  do  cr  die  ; 
Both  life  and  death  are  put  in  Jems'  hands, 
Who  urges  neither  in  his  kind  commands, 
Not  fervile  work  their  lift  and  heav'n  to  win, 
Nor  flavifh  labour  death  and  hell  to  fhun. 
Their  aims  are  purer,  fince  they  underftood, 
Their  heav'n  was  bought,  their  hell  was  ouench'd 

with  blood. 
The  oars  of  gpfpel-fervice  now  they  ftcer, 
Without  or  legal  hope  or  flavilh  fear. 

The  bride  in  fweet  fecurity  cap  dwell, 
Nor  bound  to  pur  chafe  heav'n,  nor  vanquifh  hell ;: 
But  bound  for  him  the  race  of  love  to  run, 
Whole  love  to  her  left  none  of  thefe  undone; 
She's  bound  to  he  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife, 
And  in  his  ftrengtli  to  fcrve  him  during;  life; 
To  glorify  his  loving  name  for  ay, 
Who  left  her  not  a  {ingle  mite  to  pay 
Of  legal  debt,  but  wrote  for  her  at  large 
In  characters  of  blood  a  full  difchar&e. 
Hence  forth  no  fervile  tafk  her  labours  prove^ 
But  grateful  fruits  of  reverential  love. 


64 


Gospel  Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


SECT.     V. 

Gofpel- grace  giving  no  liberty  nor  freedom  to  fin,   but 
to  holy  fervice  and  pure  obedience. 

THE  glorious  hufband's  love  can't  lead  the  wife 
To  whoredom  or  licentinufnefs  oflife  : 
Nay,  nay  ;   me  finds  his  warmeft  love  within  ; 
The  hotted  fire  to  me!:  her  heart  for  (In. 
His  kind  embrace  is  (till  the  ilronacft  cord. 
To  bind  her  to  the  fervice  of  her  Lord. 
The  more  her  faith  infures  this  love  of  hi?, 
The  more  his  law  her  deledtation  is. 
Some  dream,  they  might,  who  this  affbrance  win, 
Take  latitude  and  liberty  to  iin. 
Ah!  foch  betray  their  ignorance,  and  prove 
They  want  the  lively  fenfe  of  drawing  love; 
And  how  its  fwect  conltrainirig  force  can  move. 
The  ark  of  grace  came  never  in  to  dwell, 
But  Dap-oa  lulls  before  it  headlong  fell. 
Men  bafely  can  unto  lafcivioufuels 
Abufe  the  doctrine,  not  the  work  of  grace. 
Hucro-ers  of  divine  love  in  vice's  path, 
Have  but  the  fancy  of  it,  not  the  faith. 
They  never  foar'd  aloft  on  grace's  wing, 
That  knew  not  grace  to  be  a  holy  thing, 
When  remnant  fhe  the  pow'rsof  heil  appall, 
And  fin's  dominion  in  the  ruin  falls. 
Curs'd  is  the  crew  whofe  Antiuomian  drefs 
Mak's  grace  a  cover  to  their  idlenefs. 
The  bride  of  Chrili  will  fure  be  very  loth 
To  make  his  love  a  pillow  for  her  flbth. 
Why,  mayn't  (he  tin  the  more  that  grace  abounds 
Oh,  God  forbid  1  the  very  thought  confound*. 


Chap.  IV.  The  Jjslitvsr '<   Efpoufals,  65 

When  dead  unto  the  law  fhe's  dead  to  lln  ; 

How  can  fhe  any  longer  live  therein  *  ? 

To  neither  of  them  U  fhe  now  a  flave, 

But  {hares  the  conqneft  of  the  great,   the  brave, 

The  mighty  Gen'raJy  her  victorious  Head, 

Who  broke  the  double  chain  to  free  the  bride. 

Hence  prompted  now  with  gratitude  and  love, 

Her  cheerful  feet  in  fwift  obedience  move. 

More  ftrong  the  cords  of  love  to  duty  draw, 

Than  hell,  and  all  the  curies  of  the  law. 

When  with  feraphic  love  the  brealt's  infpir'd, 

By  that  are  all  the  other  graces  fir'd  ; 

Thefe  kindling  round,  the  burning  heart  and  frame 

In  life  and  walk  fend  from  a  holy  flame. 

CHAP.     IV. 


A  caution  to  all  againft  a  legal  fpirit ; 
efpecially  to  thofe  that  have  a  profef- 
fion  without  power,  and  learning 
without  grace. 

WH  Y,  fays  the  haughty  heart  of  legalifts, 
Bound  to  the  law  of  works  by  nat'ral 
'   Why  fucb  ado  about  a  law  divorce  ?  [twifts, 

'  Mens  lives  are  bad,    and  would  you   have  them 
w  Such  Antinoroian  fluff  with  labour'd  toil  [worfe? 
'*  Would  human  beauty's  native  luftre  fpoi!. 
\€  What  wickednefs  beneath  the  cov'rin?  lurks, 
That  lewdly  would  divorce  us  all  from  works: 
Why  fuch  a  flir  about  the  law  and  grace  ? 
We  know  that  merit  cannot  now  take  place. 
And  what  needs  more  V  Well,  to  let  flander  drop, 
3e  merit  for  a  little  here  the  fcope. 

*  R'jjn.  yi.  1, 


66 


Gosp  el    Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


Ah  1   many  learn  ro  Irfp  in  gofpej-terms, 
Who  yet  embrace  the  law  with  legal  arms. 
By  wholefome  education  fotlifc  are  taught 
To  own  that  human  merit  now  is  naugtu  : 
Who  faintly  but  renounce  proud  merits  name, 
And  cleave  reftVdly  to  the  Popifh   fcheme. 
For  graceful  works  expecling  divine  blifs, 
And,  when  they  fail,  truftf  Chrift  for  what's  amifs. 
Thus  to  his  righteouinef*  profefsto  flee, 
Yet  by  it  Hill  would  their  own  faviours  be. 
They  feern  to  works  of  merit  bloody  foes, 
Yet  feek  falvation  as  it  <were*  by  thofe. 
Blind,Gentiles  found,  who  did  nor  feek  nor  know; 
But  Ifra'l  loft  it  whole,   who  fought  it  Co, 

Let  all  that  love  to  wear  tl»ie  legal  drefs, 
Know  that  as  iin,   fo  baftard  rightecufnefs 
Has  flain  it's  thoufands,  who  in  tow'ring  pride 
The  righteouinefs  of  Jefus  Chrift  deride  ; 
A  robe  divinely  wrought,  divinely  won, 
Yei  call  by  men  for  rags  that  are  their  own. 
But  fome  to  legal  works  feem  whole  deny'd, 
Yet  would  by  gofpel-works  be  juftify'd, 
By  faith,  repentance,  love,  and  other  fuch  : 
Thefe  dreameis  being  righteous  overmuch, 
Like  Uzza,  give  the  ark  a  wrongful  touch. 
By  legal  deeds  however  gofpeliz'd, 
Can  e'er  tremendous  juftice  be  appeas'd, 
Or  finners  juftify'd  before  that  God, 
Whpfe  law  is  perfecl ,  and  exceeding  broad  I 
Nay,  faith  itielf,  that  leading  gofpel-grace, 
Holds  ?.s  a  work  nojuftifying  place. 
Juft  Heaven  to  man  for  righceoufnefs  imputes 
Not  faith  irfelf,  or  in  its  acls  or  fruits ; 
But  Jefus'  meritorious  life  and  death, 
Faun's  proper  cbjec"f,  all  ibe  honour  hath. 

*  Rom.  ix.   32. 


} 


Chap.  IV.         Tie  Btftever's  Bfroufau.  67 

From  this  doth  faith  derive  its  glorious  fame, 

Its  great  renown  and  juftMytng  name  ; 

Receiving  all  thirds,  but  defer ving  nought  : 

I>y  faith  ail's  btyVd  and  taken,    nothing  bought. 

Its  higheft  name  is  from  the  wedding  vote, 

So  inihumental  in  the  marria£e-knor. 

Jehovah  lends  the  bride  in  thatbleft  hour, 

TIP  exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  mighty  povv'r  *  : 

Which  fweetly  does  her  heart- confer, t  command, 

To  reach  the  wealthy  Prince  her  naked  hand. 

For  clofe  to  his  embrace  (he'd  never  ftir, 

If  firft  his  loving  arms  ernbrae'd  not  her  : 

But  this  he  does  by  kindly  gradual  chafe, 

Of  routing,  raifing,  teaching,  drawing  grace, 

He  (hews  her,  in  his  fweeteft  love  addreis, 

His  glory  as  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs ; 

At  which  all  dying  glories  earth  adorn, 

Shrink  like  the  fick  moon  at  the  wholefome  morn, 

This  glorious  Sun  arifing  with  a  grace, 

Dark  {hade  of  creature-rightcoutnefs  to  chafe, 

Faith  now  di  (claims  it  ft  If,  and  ail  the  train  y 

Of  virtues  former jy  accounted  gain  ;  r 

And  counts  them  dungf,  with  holy,  meek  rfifdaiT).  J 

For  now  appears  the  height,  the  depth  irr.mer.fe 

Of  divine  bounty  and  benevolence; 

Amazing  mercy  1  ignorant  of  bounds! 

Which  molt  enlarged  faculties  confounds. 

How  vain,  how  void  now  fc-em  the  vulvar  charms, 

The  monarch's  pomp  of  courts,  and  pride  cf  arms  ? 

The  boalted  beauties  of  the  human  kind, 

The  povv'rsof  body,  and  the  gifts  of  mind  ? 

Lo  !   in  the  grandeur  of  ImmanuePs  train, 

AlPs  fwaHuWd  up  as  rivers  in  the  main. 

He's  iQtn9  when  gofpeJ-light  and  fight  is  giv'n, 

Encompafs'd  round  with  all  the  pomp  of  heav'n. 

Eph.  vii.   1 6.  f  ?hil.  iii.  7^  8. 


*   TT.O, 


63  Gospel    Sonnets.  Fart  L 

The  foul,  now  taught  of  God,  fees  human  fchools 
Make  Chriftlefs  rabbi's  only  lit'rate  (oak  ; 
And  that,  till  divine  teaching  pow'rful  draw, 
No  learning  will  divorce  them  from  the  law 
Mere  argument  may  clear  the  head,  and  force 
A  verbal,  not  a  cordial  clean  divorce. 
Hence  many,  taught  the  wholefome  terms  of  art, 
Have  gbfpel-beadsj   but  (till  a  legal  heart. 
Till  foy'reign  grace  and  pow'r  the  (inner  catch, 
He  takes  not  Jefus  for  his  only  match. 
Nay,  works  complete  !   ah!   true,  however  odd, 
Dead  works  are  riyals  with  the  living;  God. 
Till  heav'n's  preventing  mercy  clear  the  light, 
Confound  the  pride  witii  fupernat'ral  light  ? 
No  haughty  foul  of  human  kind  is  brought 
To  mortify  her  felf- exalting  thought, 

Yer  holiell  creatures  in  clay- tents  that  lodge, 
Be  but  their  lives  fcann'd  by  the  dreadful  Judge  ; 
How  {hall  they  e'er  his  awful  fearch  endure, 
Before  whole  pureil  eyes  heav'n  is  not  pure  ? 
How  miift  their  black  indictment  be  enlarged, 
When  by  him  angels  are  with  folly  charg'd, 
What  human  worth  Hiall  (tand,  when  he  ihall  fcan? 
O  may  his  glory  {tain  the  pride  of  man. 

How  wond'rbus  are  the  tracks  of  divine  grace  ! 
How  fearchlefs  are  his  ways,  how'vaft  th'  abyis ! 
Let  haughty  reafon  ftop,  and  fear  to  leap  ; 
Angelic  plummets  cannot  found  the  deep. 
With  fcorn  he  turns  his  eyes  from  haughty  kings, 
With  pieafure  looks  on  low  and  worthlefs  things  -, 
Deep  are  his  judgments,  fovereign  is  his  will, 
Let  every  mortal  worm  be  dumb,  be  it  ill  - 
In  vain  proud  reafon  (wells  beyond  its  boutid  ;     "> 
God  and  his  counfels  are  a  gulf  profound,  > 

An  ocean  wherein  all  our  thoughts  are  drown'd.  ^ 


Chap.   IV.  The  Believer's   Efpoufat).  60 

CHAP.     V. 

Arguments  and  encouragements  to  gof- 
pel  minifters  to  avoid  a  legal  drain  of 
do&rine,  and  endeavour  the  finners' 
match  with  Christ  by  gofpsl-means. 

SECT,     I. 

A  lega         it  the  root  of  damnable  error:. 

YE  heralds  preat,    that  blow  in   name   cf  God 
The  Glvct  trump  of  gofpel- grace  abroad  ; 
And  found,  bv  warrant  from  the  great  /  am9 
The  nuptial  treaty  with  the  worthy  Lamb: 
Might  ye  but  (top  th*  unpolifll'd  mule  to  brook, 
And  from  a  (hrub  an  wholfbme  berrv  pluck  ; 
Ye'd  take  encouragement  from  what  is  laid, 
By  go  (pel- means  to  make  the  marriage*  bed, 
And  to  your  glorious  Lord  a  virgin  chaiteto  ved. 

The  more  proud  nature  bears  a  legal  Iwmv, 
The  more  (hould    preachers  bend  the  gofpel  way  : 
Oft  in  the  church  a  rife  deftruflWe  fchifras 
From  anti-evangelic  aphoriims  ; 
A  legal  I  pint  may  bejuftly  nam'd 
The  fertile  womb  of  every  error  d^nn'd. 

Hence  I*  »  fo  connat'ral  liuce  the  fall, 

Makes  legal  Works,  like  fa  riour?,   merit  all  ; 
Yea,  more  than  merit  on  their  moulder  load?, 
To  fupererogate  like  dejiri-godtf. 

Hence  proud  Socinians  feat  their  reafon  high; 

'Bove  every  precious  gofpel- my  lit  ry_, 

Its  divine  author  {tab,  and  without  fear 

The  purple  covert  cf  his  chariot  tear, 

C  z 


70  GCSTEL      St)  N  NETS.  Pal  t    I. 

With  tbefe  run  Arian  monfters  in  a  line, 
All  gofpel-truth  at  once  ro  undermine; 
To  darken  and  delete  like  hellifh  foes, 
The  brighteil  colour  of  the  Sharon  rofe. 
At  bed  its  human  Red  they  but  decry- 
That  blot  the  divine  White,  the  native  Dye. 

Hence  dare  Arminians  too  with  brazen  face, 
Gi  ve  man's  free- wil!  the  throne  of  God's  free-grace^ 
Whofe  felf-exaltiog  tenets  clearly  fiiew 
Great  ignorance  ot  law  and  gofpel  too. 

Hence  Neonomians  fpring,  as  fundry  call 
The  new  law- makers  to  redrefs  cur  fall. 
The  law  of  works  into  repentance,  faitii 
Is  chang'd,  as  their  Baxrerian  Bible  faith. 
Shaping  tne  gofpel  to  an  eafy  law,  [ftraw  ; 

They  build   their  tott'ring  houfe  with  hay  and 
Yet  hide,  like  Rachel's  idols  in  the  ftufF, 
Their  legal  hands  within  a  gofpel- muff. 

Yea,  hence  fpring:>  Antinomian  vile  refufc, 
Whofe  grofs  abettors  gofpel  grace  abuie  ; 
Unfkill'd  how  grace's  filken  latchtt  binds 
Ker  captives  to  the  law  with  willing  minds. 

SECT.     II. 

A  legal  flrain  of  doctrine  difcovered  and  difcarded. 

N  O  wonder  Paul  the  legal  fpirit  curfe, 
Of  fatal  errors  fijch  a  feeding  nurfe. 
He,    in  Jehovah's  great  tremendous  name, 
Condemns  perverters  of  the  gofpel-fcheme. 
Hedamn'd  the  fophift  rude,   the  babbling  pricft 
Would  venture  to  corrupt  it  in  the  Ieaft ; 
Yea,  curs'c!  the  heav'nlv  an<?el  down  to  hell, 
That  daring  would  another  goipel  tell*. 

*  Gal.  i.  7,  8. 


Chap.  V.  7be  Believer's   EfpoUfa/s*  71 

Which  crime  is  charg'd  on  thefe  that  dare  difpenfe 
The  fclf-fame  gofpei  in  another  fenle. 

Chrift  is  not  preacVd  in  truth,  but  in  difguife, 
If  his  bright  glory  half  abfeonded  lies. 
When  gofpei  foldiers,  that  divide  the  word, 
Scarce  brai.diih  any  but  the  legal  fword. 
While  Chrift  the  author  of  the  law  they  profs, 
More  than  the  end  of  it  for  righteoufnefs  ; 
Chrift  as  afeeker  of  our  fervice  trace, 
More  than  a  giver  of  enabling  grr.ee. 
The  King  commanding  holineis  they  (Low, 
More  than  the  Prince  exalted  to  bellow  ; 
Yea,  more  on  Chrift  the  fin-revenger  dweih 
Than  Chrift  Redeemer  both  from  fin  and  hell. 

With  legal  fpade  the  gofpei- field  he  delve?, 
Who  thus  drives  tinners  in  unto  themfelves; 
Halving  the  truth  that  (hould  be  all  reveai'd, 
The  fweeteft  part  of  Chrift  is  oft  conceal'd. 
We  bid  men  turn  from  fin,  but  feldom  favy 
Bclund  the  Lamb  that  takes  all  (in  away  j  1 
Chrift,  by  the  gofpei- rightly  understood, 
Not  only  treats  a  peace,   but  makes  it  good* 
Thoie  (tutors  therefore  of  the  bride,   who  hope 
By  force  to  drag  her  with  the  legal  rope, 
Nor  ufe  the  drawing  cord  of  cor.quVing  grace, 
Fnrfue  with  flawing  zeal  a  fruit  lei's  chafe  ; 
In  vain  lame  doings  urge,  with  folemn  awe, 
To  bribe  the  fury  of  the  fiery  law  : 
With  equal  fnceefs  to  the  fool  that  aims 
By  paper  walls  to  bound  devouring  flames. 
The  law's  but  mock'd  by  their  moft  graceful  deed, 
That  wed  nut  firil  the  law  fulfilling  Head  ; 
It  values  neither  how  thev  wrought  nor  we^j 
That  flight  the  ark  wherein  alone  'tis  hep:. 

c  John  i.  2 


h 


Gospel  Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


Ye:  legaiifts,   DO,  DO,   with  ardour  prefs, 
And  with  prepoft'rdus  zeal  and  warm  addrefs 
Would  ieem  the  -greateft  friends  to  holineis: 
But  vainly  (could  fuch  oppofnes  accord) 
Refpecl:  the  law,  and  yet  reject  the  Lord. 
They  (hew  not  Jefus  as  the  way  to  blii'5, 
But  judas-Iike  betray  him  with  a  kifs 
Of  boafted  works,  or  mere  profefiion  puff, 
Law-boafters  pro v in 2  but  law  breakers  oft. 


I 


SECT.     III. 

'The   hurtfaliiefs     of   not  preaching    Christ,     and  dl- 
fting'uifhing  duly  between  law  and  gofpel. 

HELL  cares  not  how  crude  holinefs  be  presch'd^ 
If  finners  match  with  Chrid  be  never  reached  ; 
Knowing  their  holinefs  is  but  a  fiiatp^ 
Who  ne'er  are  married  to  the  holy  Lamb. 
Let  words  have  never  fuch  a  pious  (hew,- 
And  blaze  aloft  in  rr.de  prqfefTor's  view,  , 
With  facred  aromatic?  richly  fpic'd, 
If  they  but  drown  in  filence  glorious  Chrift  ; 
Or,  if  he  may  fome  vacant  room  lupply, 
Make  him  a  fubjecl  only  by  the  by  ; 
They  mar  true  holinefs  with  tickling  chat, 
To  breed  a  bayard  Pharifaic  brat. 
They  wofully  the  gofpel  meffage  broke, 
7»lake  fearful  hayoc  of  the  Matter's  flock; 
Yet  pleafe  themfeives,  and  the  blind  multitude, 
By  whom  the  go  (pel's  little  underftood. 
Rude  fouls  perhaps  imagine  little  odds 
Between  the  legal  and  the  gofpel  roads  : 
Ent  vainly  men  attempt  to  blend  the  two; 
They  differ  more  than  Chrift  and  Mofes  do. 
Mofes,   evangelizing  in  a  {hade, 
By  types  the  news  of  light  approaching  fpread  5 


Chap.  V.  The  BelUwr's   Rjpoufil*.  73 

But  from  the  law  of  works  by  him  proclaimed, 
No  ray  of  gofpel-grace  or  mercy  gieam'd. 
By  nature's  light  the  law  ro  all  is  known, 
But  lightfome  news  of  gofpcl-grace  to  none. 
The  doing  cov'nant  now,   in  part  or  whole, 
Is  ftrong  to  damn,   but  weak  to  lave  a  foul. 
It  hurts,  and  cannot  help,   bur  as  ir  tends 
Through  mercy  to  fubferve  iome  gofpel  ends. 
Law-thunder  roughly  to  the  gofpe]  tames, 
The  gofpel  mildly  to  the  law  reclaims, 
The  fiery  law,   as  'tis  a  covenant, 
Schools  men  t.>  fee  the  gofpel-aid  they  want; 
Then  gofpel-aid  does  fweetly  then  incline 
Back  ro  the  law  as  Yt*  a  rule  divine,      [wound*, 
Hcav'n's  healing   work  is  oft  commenced   with 
Terror  begins  what  loving  kindnefs  crowds. 
Preachers  may  therefore  prefs  the  fiery  law, 
To  ilrike  the  Chrifllefs  man  with  dreadful  awe. 
Law  threats  winch  for  his  (ins  to  hell  de prefs, 
Yea-,   damn  him  for  his  rotten  rightcotifnefs  ; 
That  while  he  views  the  law  exceeding  broad, 
\  may  wed  the  r/ighteoufaefs  of  God; 
But  ah  !  to  prefs  law-works  as  terms  of  life, 
Was  ne'er  the  wav  tocourt  the  Lamb  a  wife. 
To  urge  conditions  in  the  le^al  frame, 
Is' to  renew  the  vain  old  cov'nant  ga:ne 
The  law  is  good,  when  lawfully  'tis  us'id*; 
But  mod  dcllruciive  When  it  is  abus'ch 
They  Jet  not  duties  in  the  proper  fphere, 
Who  duly  law  and  gofpel  don't  fevere  ; 
But  under  mafly  chains  let  (tuners  lie, 
As  tributaries,  or  to  DO  or  DIE. 
Kor  make  the  law  a  fquaring  rule  of  life  j 
put  in  the  gofpel-throat  a  bloody  knife-    • 

*  i  Tim.  i.  S, 


74  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

SECT.     IV. 

Damnable  pride  and  felf-righteoufnefb,  fo  natural  to  all 
men,  ha 3  little  need  to  be  encouraged  by  legal  preaching. 

THE  legal  path  proud  nature  loves  fo  well, 
(Though  yet  'tis  but  the  cleaned  road  to  hell) 
That  10!  e'en  thefe  that  take  the  fouleft  ways. 
Whofe  lewdnefs  no  controlling;  bridle  ftavs  ; 
If  but  their  drowfy  confcience  raife  its  voice, 
'Twill  fpeak  the  law  of  works  thei^  native  choice. 
And  echo  to  the  roofing  found,  '  Ah,  true  ! 
c   I  cannot  hope  to  live,   unlets  I  DO.* 
No  confcious  bread  of  mortal  kind  can  trace 
The  myd'ry  deep  of  being  fav'd  by  grace. 
Of  this  nor  is  the  nat'rai  confcience  ikill'd  ; 
Nor  will  admit  it  when  it  is  reveal'd  ; 
But  pufl-ies  at  the  gofpel  like  a  ram, 
As  proxy  for  the  law,  agiind  the  Lamb) 
The  proud  felf* righteous  Pharifaic  drain 
Is,  t   B:eft  be  God,   I'm  not  like  other  men  ; 
I  read  and  pray,  give  alms,  I  mourn  and  fail  \\ 
And  therefore  hope  I'll  get  to  heav'n  at  lad  : 
For,  though  from  ev'ry  fm  I  be  not  free, 
Great  multitudes  of  men  are  worfe  than  me, 
I'm  none  of  rhofe  that  fwear,  cheat,  drink,  and 
Thus  on  the  law  he  build:  his  Babel  row'r.  [whore. 
Yea,  ev'n  [he  vileft  curfed  debauchee  *| 

Will  make  the  law  of  works  his  very  plea  ;  \ 

<   Why,  ('ays  rhe  rake)  what  take  you  me  to  be:  J 

*  A  Turk,  or  infidel;  (yo:i  lie),  1  can't  "J 
1  Be  term'd  fo  ore,  bur  by  a  fvcophant;  \ 
€  Only  1  hai  aoft  the  whining  faint.  X 
1  I  am  a  Cm  \,  in  true  ;  ar.d  therefore  bode 

*  It  lhail  be  well  with  me,  1  hope  in  God, 

t  Luke  xviii.  11,  12. 


Chap.   V".  The  Believer*  s  Ef(>oujeils>  75 

4  Ait  I  an  honed  man  ;  yea,   I  defy 

€  Tiie  toivue  thai  dare  affert  black  to  mine  eve.' 

Perhaps  when  the  reprover  turns  his  back, 

He'll  vend  the  viler  wares  o?s  open'd  pack, 

And  with  his  fellows  in  a  (train  more  big, 

'  Bid  damn  the  bale  uncharitable  whig, 

4  Thcfe  fcroundrel  hypocrites  (he'll  proudly  fay) 

4  Think  none  ihallever  merit  IteaVn  but  they. 

*  And  yet  we  may  compete  with  rhem  :  for  fee, 
4   The  bell  have  blemifhes  as  well  as  we. 

'  We  have  as  good  a  heart  (we  truft)  as  thefe, 

4  Tho'  not  their  vain  ftiperfiuous  (hew  and    blaze. 

4  Bigotted  zealots,  whole  foul  crimes  are  hid, 

4  Woulci  da-.un  us  all  to  hell  ;   but  God  forbid. 

4  Whatever  inch  a  whining        r  nrofefs. 

*  '  lis  but  a  nice,  roorofe,  affe&ed  drefs. 

4  And  though  we  don't  pretend  Co  much  as  they, 
1  We  hope  to  compafs  heaven  a  (horter  way  ; 
'  We  feek  God's  mercy,  and  are  all  along 
'   Molt  ivcte  of  malice,  and  do  no  man  wrong. 
4  Bur  whims  fantafb.c  (han't  our  head  anoy, 
4  Thar  would  our  iocial  liberties  deftroy* 
4  Sure,  right  religion  never  was  deiign'd 
4  To  mar  the  native  mirth  of  human  kind,   [fuch  ! 
4  How  weak  arethofe  that  would  be  thought  non- 
4  H  )\v  mid,  that  would  be  righteous  o'er  much  1 
4  We  have  fufficient,  through  we  be  not  crarnm'd  ; 
4   We'll  therefore  hope  the  beft,  let  them  be 

Ah  horrid  talk  1  yet  lo  the.  leg-1  {train  [damn'd.' 
Lards  e'en  the  language  of  the  mofc  profane. 
Thus  Jevili'h  pride  o'er  looks  a  thoufand  faults, 
And  on  a  leo-.J  ground  itfelf  exalts. 
This  DO  and  LIVE,  though  doing  power  he  lolr; 
In  ev'iy  mortal  is  proud  nature's  hoaiV. 
How  does  a  vain  conceit  of  gpodnefs  fwell, 
And  feed  falfe  hope,  amidft  the;  (hades  of  hell  ? 


76  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Shall  we,  who  mould  by  gofpel  methods  draw, 
Send  Tinners  to  their  nat'ral  ipoufe  the  law  : 
And  harp  upon  the  doing  firing  to  inch, 
Who  ignorantly  dream  they  do  fo  much  ? 
Why,  thus  inilead  of  courting  Chriit  a  bride, 
We  harden  rebels  in  their  native  pride. 

Much  rather  ought  we  in  God's  name  to  place 
His  great  artill'ry  itrai^ht   aaainft  their  face  j 
And  throw  hot  Sinai  thunderbolts  around 
To  burn  their  towering;  hopes  down  to  the  ground. 
To  make  the  pillars  of  their  pride  to  (bake, 
And  damn  their  doings  to  the  burning  lake 
To  curfe  the  doers  unto  endlefs  thrall. 
That  never  did  continue  to  do  all  *. 
To  fcorch  their  conference  with  the  filming  air, 
And  link  their  haughty  hopes  in  deep  defpair  ; 
Denouncing;  Ebai's  black  revenging  doom, 
To  blaft  their  expectation  in  the  bloom  ; 
Till  once  vain  hope  of  life  by  works  give  place 
Unto  a  folid  hope  of  life  by  grace. 
The  VfgVoOs  life  of  means  is  fafely  urg'd, 
When  preffing  calls  from  legal  dregs  are  purg'd  ; 
But  molt  unfafely  in  a  fed'rai  drefs, 
Cowfoudin;r  terms  of  life  with  fueans  o£  grace. 
Oh!  dangVous  is  th'  attempt  proud  fie  in  to  pleafe, 
Or  find  a  (inner  to  the  law  for  eafe  ; 
Who  rather  needs  to  feel  its  piercing  dart, 
Till  dreadful  pangs  invade  his  trembling  heart  ; 
And  thither  mould  be  onlv  lent  for  flames  , 
Of  fire  to  burn  his  rotten  hopes  and  claims  ; 
That  thua  difarm'd,  he  gladly  may  embrace, 
And  grafp  with  eagernefs  the  news  of  grace. 


*  Gal.  lii.  i-. 


Chap. 


11  c   77c  'A i:/s  Eff  c ujah . 


77 


SECT.     V. 

The  so'pcl  of  divine  rrjc?  the  only  means  of  converting  fin- 
ners,  and  fhould  be         icbed  '  fore  moil  clearly,  ful- 

ly,  and  freely. 

-     7 

THEY  ought,   who  royal  grace's  heralds  be, 
To  trumpet  loud  ialvation,  fall  and  free: 
Nor  laltly  can,  to  humour  mortal  pride j 
hi  ii'.cucc  evangelic  myil'rles  hide. 
What  Heav'o  is  pieas'd  to  give,  dare  we  refufe; 
Or  under  ground  conceal,   left  men  aiu.ie  \ 
Supprel's  the  gofpel-flow'r,   upon  pretence 
That  fotr.e  vile  fpiders  may  luck  poifon  thence  ? 
Chrift  is  a  {tumbling  block  *,  (hail  we  neglect 
To  preach  him,  left  the  blind  fhould  break  their 
That  high  he's  for  the  fall  of  many  let,        [neck  \ 
As  well  as  for  the  rife  \%  muft  prove  no  let. 
No  grain  of  precious  truth  muft  be  fuppreft. 
Though  repio'oates  (bonld  to  their    ruin  wrell. 
Shall  Meav  o'a  corufcant  lamp  be  dimnvd,  :ha:  pays 
Irs  daily  tribute  clown  in  golden  rays  .? 
Becaufe  fome  blinded wilh  the  blading -gle^rw, 
Share  not  the  pleafure  of  the  hohtnir.g  beams; 
Let  thofe  be  hard'ned,   petrify '4j   and  iMrm'd, 
The  reft  art-  mollify  M  audkiudly  warm'd. 
A'vafidus  favour  •)-,  flowers  in  grace's  held, 
Of  life  to  forne,   ot'  death  to  others  vicld. 
Muft  then  the  rote  be  vail'd,   the  lily  hid, 
The  fragrant  favour  (lifted  !   Cod  forbid. 

The  revelation  of  the  gofpel-flow'r, 
Isftill  the  organ  fam'd  of  laving  pow'r  ; 
Moftjuftly  then  are; legal  ruinds  c<   u  emn'd. 
That  of  the  glorious  gofpei  are  aiham'd  : 


I   C  v.  1.  23.         \  Luke  ii.  34.         f  2  Qaxj  ii.  16. 


73  Gospel   Sonnets.  Parti 

For  this  the  divine  arm,  and  only  this. 

The  pow'r  of  God  unto  falvation  is. 

For  therein  is  reveal'd,  to  fcreen  from  wrath, 

The  righteoufnefs  of  God  from  faith  to  faith  f . 

The  happy  change  in  guilty  Tinners  cafe 

They  owe  to  free  difplays  of  fov'reign  grace  ; 

Whole  joyful  tidings  of  amazing  love, 

The  miniitration  of  the  Spirit  prove. 

The  glorious  vent  the  gofpel-news  exprefc, 

Of  God's  free  grace,  thro'  Chrift's  full  righteoufnefs, 

Is  Heav'n's  g?*y  chariot  where  the  Spirit  bides, 

And  in  his  conquering  pow'r  triumphant  rides. 

The  gofpel-field  is  ftill  the  Spirit's  foil, 

The  golden  pipe  that  bears  the  holy  oil; 

The  orb  where  he  outfhines  the  radiant  fun, 

The  filver  channel  where  his  graces  run. 

Within  the  gofpel-  banks  his  flowing  tide 

Oflightning,  quickning  motions,  fweetly  glide. 

Received  ye  the  Spirit,  fcripture  faith*, 

By  legal  works,  or  by  the  word  of  faith  I 

If  by  the  gofpel  only,  then  let  none 

Dare  to  be  wiler  than  the  wifeft  One. 

We  mud,  who  freely  get,  as  freely  give, 
The  vital  word  that  makes  the  dead  to  live. 
For  ev'n  to  (innersdead  within  our  reach, 
We  in  his  living  name  may  moft  fuccefsful  preach. 

The  Spirit  and  the  fcripture  both  agree 
Jointly,   (fays  Chrift),  to  teftify  of  me  J. 
The  preacher  then  will  from  his  text  decline, 
That  (corns  to  harmonize  with  his  defign. 
Prefs  moral  duties  to  the  laft  degree  ; 
Why  not  ?  but  mind,  left  we  fuccefslefs  be. 
No  light,  no  hope,  no  Itrength  for  duties  fpring, 
Where  Jefus  is  not  Prophet,  Prieit,  and  King. 

f  Pom.  i.  1 6,  1 7.         *  Gal.  iii.  2.         \  John  xv.  26.  y.  39. 


Chip.   V.  The  Believer  s   Ffpoufals.  79 

No  light  to  fee  the  way,  unlefs  he  teach, 
No  joyful  hope  fate  in  his  blood  we  reach, 
Noitrength  unlets  his  royal  arm  he  ftretch. 
Then  fro:«  our  leading  fcope  how  grofs  we  fall, 
If,  Hke  his  name,  i;i  ev'ry  gofpel-call, 
We  make  no:  him  the  Ftft,   the  Lad,   the  Al! ! 

Our  office  is  to  bear  the  radiant  torch 
Of  gofpel  light  into  the  darfc'ned  porch, 
Of  human  underftindings,  and  difplay 
The  joyful  dawn  ofeverlafting  day  ; 
To  draw  the  golden  chariot  of  free  grace, 
The  dark'ned  {hades  with  (hieing  rays  to  chafe, 
Till  heav'n's  bright  lampon  circling  wheels  be  hurl'd 
With  fparkling  grandeur  round  the  dulky  world; 
And  thus  to  bring,  in  dying  mortals  tieht, 
New  life  and  immortality  to  light  f. 
We're  charg'd  to  preach  the  gofpel,  unconfiVd, 
To  cv'ry  creature  J  of  the  human  kind  ; 
To  call,  with  tenders  of  I  ai  vat  ion  free, 
All  corners  of  the  earth  to  come  and  fee  ||  : 
And  ev'ry  iinr.er  moil  exculeiefi  m:>ke. 
By  urging  rich  and  poor  T  i  come  and  take  §. 
Ho,  ev'ry  one  that  thirds*,  is  grace's  call 
Direct  in  needy  (inner?  great  and  i'mall  ; 
Not  meaning  thole  aione,  whofe  holy  thirlt 
Denominates  their  fouls  already  bletr. 
It  only  thofe  were  call'd  then  none  but  faints  ; 
Nor  would  the  gir.pel  fuit  the  Tinner's  wants. 
But  here  the  call  does  fignally  import 
Sinntrrs  and  thirfty  fowls  of  ev'ry  fort  : 
And  mainly  to  their  door  the  meffage  brings, 
Who  yet  are  thirfting  after  empty  things  ; 
Who  fpent  their  means  no  living  bread  to  buy, 
And  pains  for  that  which  canot  iarisfy. 

t  2  Tim.  i.  10.  $  Mark  xvi.  15.  fl  Ifa.  xlv.  22.  John  i  .39.46. 
§  Rev.  xxii.   17.  *  Ifa.  lv.  1,  2. 


So  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Such  thirfty  fanners  here  invited  are, 

Who  vainly  fpend  their  money,  though*-,  and  care, 

On  paffiog  (hade^s,  vde  lulls,  and  traih  lb  bale 

As  yield  immortal  (bills  no  true  foiace. 

The  call  directs  them,  as  thev  would  be  bieft, 

To  chufe  a  purer  object  of  their  third. 

All  are  invited  bv  the  iovful  found 

To  drink   who  need,   as  does  the  parched  ground, 

Whole  wide-mowrh'd  clefts  fpeak  ro  the  bra  fen  Iky 

Its  paffive  thrift,  without  an  active  cry. 

The  gofpel  preacher  then,  with  holy  fkiil, 
Muft  offer  Chrift  to  wholoever  will, 
To  linners  of  all  forts  that  can  be  nam'd  ; 
The  blind,  the  lame,  the  poor,  the  halt,    the 
Nor  daring  to  rellridt  th'  extenfiveeall,  [mairrTdf. 
Blk  ep'ning  wide  the  net  to  catch  'em  all. 
No  foul  mult  be  excluded  that  will  come, 
Nor  right  of  accefs  be  confined  to  forne. 
Though  none  will  come  till  confeious  of  their  want, 
Yet  right  to  come  they  have  by  fov'reign  grant: 
Suchfigkt  to  Chrift,  his  prom  if  e  and  his  grace, 
They  all  are  damn'd  who  hear  and  don't  embrace. 
So  freely  is  th'  unbounded  call  difpens'd, 
We  therein  find  ev'n  tinners  imconvinc'd; 
Who  knew  not  they  are  naked,  blind,  and  poor*,  "| 
Counfell'd  to  buy  or  beg  at  Jefus*  door,    [ftore.  }► 
And  take  the  glorious  robe,  eye-falve,  and  golden  J 
This  prize  they  are  ofelig'd  by  faith  to  win, 
Eile  unbelief  would  never  be  their  fin. 
Yea  golpel  offers  but  a  foam  we  make, 
If  ev'ry  iinner  has  not  right  to  take. 
Be  goipei-herald's  fortjfy'd  from  this, 
To  trumpet  grace,  howe'er  the  ferpent  hifs. 
Did  hell's  malicious  mouth  in  dreadful  fhape 
Gainft  innocence  itfeif  malignant  g*'pe  ? 

f  Luke  xiv.  21.  *  Rev.  iii.  if,  iS- 


Chap.   V.  Tiff  Believer's  Ef[>ouJals. 

Then  facred  truth's  devoted  vouchers  may 
For  dire  reproach  their  meafures  conftant  lay. 
With  cruel  calumny  of  old  commene'd, 
This  feci  will  ev'ry  where  be  ipoke  sgainfl  f  j 
While  to  and  fro  he  runs  the  earth  acrof>, 
Whole  name  is  Adelthon   kategoros|j. 
In  fpite  of  hell  be  then  our  conftant  ftrife 
To  win  the  glorious  Lamb  a  virgin  wife. 

CHAP.     VI. 


An  Exhcrtaticn  to  all  that  are  out  of 
Christ;  in  order  to  their  clofing  the 
match  with  him  :  containing  alio  mo- 
tives and  directions. 

REader,  into  thine  hands  thefe  lines  are  giv'n> 
But  not  without  the  providence  of  Heaven  ; 
Or  to  advance  thy  blifs,  it  thou  art  wife, 
Or  aggravate  thy  woe,   if  thou  delpiie. 
For  thee,  for  thee,  perhaps  th'  emnifcient  ken 
Has  form'd  the  couniel  here,  and  led  the  pen. 
The  writer  then  does  thy  attention  plead, 
in  his  great  name  that  gave  thee  eyes  to  read. 

SEC  T.     I. 


Conviction  offered  to  Sippersj  cfpecLH    fucfc  as  are  we 
ded  itriclly  to   the   lav/,  or  fel  eous,  that  they 

may  lee  their  need  of  Christ's  fighte<  *s. 

I  F  never  yet  thou  didir  fair  ]ti\vr  wed, 
Nor  yield  thy  heart  to  be  his  marriage-bed  ; 
Eut  hitherto  art  wedded  to  the  law, 
VVbieb  never  could  thy  ckdnM  affections  draw 
\  AiTts  xxiii.  23.  U  Or,  The  cccrfer  of  the  I.rethr 


82  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

From  brutifli  lulls  and  fordid  lover's  charms  ; 
Lo  1  thou  art  yet  in  Satan's  folded  armc. 
Hell's  povv'r  invifible  thy  foul  retains 
His  captive  flave,  lock'd  up  in  maffy  chains.         "j 
O  !   finner  then,  as  thcu  regard'ft  thy  life,  ^ 

Seek,  feek,  with  ardent  care  and  earned  ftrife.  J 
To  be  the  glorious  Lamb's  betrothed  wife. 
For  bafe  co-rivals  never  let  him  lofe 
Thy  heart,  his  bed  of  conjugal  repofe. 
Wed  Chrift  alone,  and  with  ievere  remorfe        "J 
From  other  mates  purfue  a  clean  divorce  ;  ^ 

For  they  thy  ruin  feek  by  fraud  or  force.  J 

As  lurking  ferpents  in  the  fhady  bow'rs 
Conceal  their  malice  under  fprcatling  fiow'rs; 
So  thy  deceitful  luAs  with  cruel  (pile 
Hide  ghaftly  danger  under  gay  delight. 
Art  thou  a  legal  zealot,  iuft  or  rude, 
Renounce  thy  nat'ral  and  acquired  good. 
As  bafe  deceitful  lulls  may  work  thy  fin  art, 
So  may  deceitful  frames  upon  thy  hearr. 
Seeming  good  motions  may  in  fome  be  found, 
Much  joy  in  hearing,  like  the  ftony  ground  *  ; 
Much  farrow  too  in  praying*   as  appears 
In  Efau's  careful  fuit  with  rueful  learsf. 
Touching  the  law,  they  biamtltfs  may  appear  j, 
From  ipurious  views  mod  Ipecicus  virtues  bear. 
Nor  merely  be  devout  in  mens  efteem, 
But  prove  to  be  fincerely  what  they  feem, 
Friends  to  the  holy  law  in  bean  arid  \\\e^ 
Suers  of  heav'ri  with  utnidit  legal  ftrife  ; 
Yet  Hill  with  innate  pride  io  rai^fcl  >', 

Converted  but  to  duties,    rot  to  Chrilt, 
That  publicans  and  hatlots  hoav 
Before  a  crew  (b  r&hteou 

D 

*  Lu!;2  \iii.  13.         f  II-b.  «  t  ?:i-i.  ;:L  9* 


Chap.  VI.  Tbi  Believer's  EffoufaJs.  S3 

Soocer  will  thofe  (hake  ufF  their  vicious  drefs 
Than  thefe  blind  zealots  will  their  righteoufnefs, 
Who  judge  they  have  (which  fortifies  their  pride) 
The  law  of  God  itfelf  upon  their  fide. 
Oid  nature,  new  brufh'd  up  with  legal  pains, 
Such  ftrict  atachment  to  the  law  retains, 
No  means,   no  motives  can  to  Jefus  draw 
Vain  fouls  fo  doubly  wedded  to  the  law. 

But  wouldft  the  glorious  Prince  in  marriage  have, 
Know  that  thy  nat'ral  huiband  cannot  fave. 
Thy  beft  efTays  to  pay  the  legal  rent 
Can  never  in  the  leaft  the  law  content. 
Didft  thou  in  pray'rs  employ  the  morning-light, 
In  tears  and  groans  the  watches  of  the  night, 
Pals  thy  whole  life  in  clofe  devotion  o'er  ; 
Tis  nothing  to  the  law  (till  craving  more. 
There's  no  proportion  'twixt  its  high  commands,  \ 
And  puny  works  from  thy  polluted  hands;  ^ 

Perfection  is  the  leaft  that  it  demands.  J 

Wouldft  enter  into  life,  then  keep  the  law  *  : 
But  keep  it  perfectly  without  a  flaw, 
It  won't  have  lefs,  nor  will  abate  at  la  ft 
A  drop  of  vengence  for  the  fin  that's  pait 
Tell,  (inful  mortal,  is  thy  ftock  fo  large 
As  duly  can  defray  this  double  charge  j 
c  Why  thefe  are  mere  impolicies,'  (fay 'ft  thou) 
Yea,  truly  fo  they  are,  and  therefore  now, 
That  down  thy  legal  confidence  may  fall 
The  law's  bja.ck  doom,  home  to  thy  bofortl  call. 
'  Lo !  1  (the  divine  law)  demands  no  lefs 
Than  perfect  everLftiug  righteoufnefs  t 
But  thou  haft  fail'd,  and  loft  thy  ftrcngth  to  DO: 
Therefore  I  cU>om  thee  to  eternal  woe. 
In  prifon  clofe  to  be  {hut  up  for  ay, 
Ere  I  be  bailed  with  thy  partial  pay, 

*  Math.  y.vA   1  7. 


84  Gospfi    Son*  nets.  Part  I- 

'  Thou  always  didft  and  doft  my  precepts  break, 

*  I  therefore  curie  thee  to  the  burning  lake. 

*  In  God  the  great  Lawgiver's  glorious  name, 

*  I  judge  thy  foul  to  everlaiting  ihame.' 
No  fielh  can  by  the  law  be  juftified  f  : 
Yet  dared  thcu  thy  legal  duties  plead  ? 

As  Paul  appeal'd  to  Cefar,  wilt  thou  fo,  1 

Un*o  the  law  ?   then  to  it  (halt  thou  go  r 

And  find  it  doom  thee  to  eternal  woe.  J 

What !  would  ye  have  us  piung'd  in  deep  defpair? 
Amen  ;   yea,  God  himfelf  would  have  you  there. 
His  will  it  is  that  you  defpair  of  life, 
And  fafetv  bv  the  law,  or  leo-al  ftrife  ; 
That  cleanly  thence  divorc'd  at  any  rate, 
His  faireft  Son  may  have  a  faithful  mate. 
'Till  this  law-fentence  pafs  within  your  bread, 
You'll  never  wed  the  law-diicharging  Prieit. 
You  prize  not  heav'n  till  he  through  hell  youdravr  \ 
Nor  love  the  gofpe!  till  you  know  the  law. 

Know  then,  the  divine  law  nioft  perfect  cares 
For  none  of  thy  imperfect  legal  wares; 
Dooms  thee  to  vengence  for  thy  (infill  ftate,- 
As  well  as  iinfu!  actions  (mail  or  great. 
If  any  fin  can  be  accounted  fmal!, 
To  hell  its  dooms  thy  foul  for  one  and  all. 
For  fins  of  nature,  practice,  heart,  and  way }- 
Damnation  rent  it  ibmmons  thee  to  pay. 
Yea,  not  for  fin  alone,  which  is  thy  ihame, 
But  for  thy  boafted  ferviee  tor)  fo  la-.ie, 
The  1'tw  adjudges  thee  and  heii  to  ttte&j 
Becaufe  thy  rignteoutnefs  is  incomplete. 
As  tow  Vino;  flames  burn  up  the  wither'd  fta'«y»y 
So  will  the  iiery  law  ehy  filthy  rag 


f  Rom.  lib  2). 


Chap.  VI.         The  Believer's  EjyoufaU.  8; 

SECT.     31. 

Direction  given  with  reference  to  the  right  ufe  of  means, 
that  we  reft  not  on  thefe  inftead  of  Ckf.ist  the  glo: ious 
HufjancI,  in  whom  our  help  lies. 

[now  \ 

ADAM,  where  art  thou  *  ?  Soul,  where  art  thou 
Oh  !  art  thou  laying,  Sir,  what  ihail  I  do  ?  \ 
I  dare  not  ufe  that  proud  felf-raifing  drain, 
Go  help  yotnrfelf,  and  God  will  help  ycu  then. 
Nay,  rather  know,  O  Ifr'el  that  thou  halt 
DeftroyM  thy  I  elf,  and  can'ft  not  in  the  leair, 
From  fin  nor  wrath  thyfeif  the  captive  free, 
Thy  help  (fay-  Jefus)  only  lies  in  me  I.. 
Heav'n's  oracles  direct  to  him  alone  j 
Full  help  is  laid  upon  this  mighty  One, 
|n  him,  in  him  complete  idlvation  dwells ; 
He's  God  the  helper,  and  there  is  none  elle  j|. 
Fig  leaves  won't  hide  thee  from  the  fiery  fhcvv  Y, 
'Tis  he  alone  that  laves  by  price  and  pow'r. 

Mult,  we  do  nothing  then  (will  mockers  fay) 
But  reft  in  iloth  till  Heav'n  the  help  convey  i 
Pray,  Hop  a  little;  linner,  don't  soule 
God's  awful  word,   rh&t  charges  thee  to  ufe 

Cleans,  ordinances;  Which  he's  pleas'd  to  plc.ee, 

As  precious  channels  of  his  pow.Vfo!  grace. 

Reftlefs  irnprove  all  thefe,  until  from  Heav'n 

The  whole  !  :on  needful  thus  be-  -nv'n. 

Wait  in  this  path,  according  to  his  call, 

On  him  whofe  pow'tf  alone  efTe -;teth  all. 

Wouldli  thou  him  wed,  in  dot  tea  wait,  I  fa.v, 

But  marry  not  thy  duties  by  the  way. 

Tboul'c  wofuf.y  come  fhort  offering  g";:ce, 

If  duties  only  b^  thy  rciting  ph.ee. 

*  Gen.  iii.  9.         •    t  Mark  x.  17. 
\  Hof.  xiii.  9.  \  Xia.  adv.  2  >, 

D 


86  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I* 

Nay,  go  a  little  further  *  through  them  all, 
To  him  whole  office  is  to  fave  from  thral!. 
Thus  in  a  gofpcl-manner  hopeful  wait, 
Striving  to  enter  by  the  narrow  gate i  : 
So  (trait  and  narrow,  that  it  won't  admit 
Tire  bunch  upon  thy  back  to  enter  it. 
Not  only  bulky  lulls  may  ceafe  to  preiV, 
But  ev'n  the  bunch  of  boafted  rightecufnefs. 

Many,  as  in  the  facred  page  we  fee, 
Shall  drive  to  enter,  but  unable  be  1 : 
Becaufe,  miftaking  this  new  way  of  life, 
They  pufti  a  legal,  not  a  goi'pel-ltrife : 
As  if  their  duties  did  Jehovah  bind, 
Becaufe 'tis  written,  stck,   and  ye  fhall  find  jj. 
Perverted  fcripture  does  their  error  fence, 
They  read  the  letter,  but  neglect  the  fenle. 
While  to  the  word  no  gofpel-glofs  they  give, 
Their  feek  and  find's  the  fame  with  do  and  live, 
Hence  would  they  a  connection  native  place, 
Between  their  moral  pains  and  laving  grace  : 
Their  nat'ral  poor  eifays  they  judge  won't  mifs 
In  jnfl\ce  to  infer  eternal  blif>. 

Thus  commentaries  on  the  word  they  make 
Which  to  their  ruin  are  a  grand  miftake  : 
For  through  the  legal  bias  in  their  breait, 
They  fcriptuje  to  their  own  deftrudlion  wreft. 
Why,  if  we  Jcek  we  get,   ihey  gather  hence  : 
Wrhich  is  not  truth,  lave  in  the  fcripture- fenfe. 
There  Jefns  deai.s  with  friends,  aiui  el  fw  he  re  faith, 
Thefe  icekersofily  ipeed  that  alk  in  faith  §. 
The  prayer  of  the  wicked  is  abhorr'd, 
£s  an  abomination  tu  the  Lord  f . 
Their  fuits  are  ims,   but  their  neglects  no  lefs, 
Which  can't  their  guilt  dimmifn,  but  increafe. 

*  Song  iii.  i,  A-     f  Mat:  vii.  13   14.     p  Luke  xiii.  24 
Mat.vii.  ~.     y  James  i.  6.       f  Prov.  xy.  9.  x^viii.  $i 


Chap.  Vi.  The  Eellevfr  i  £fp9ufa!s.  c3  7 

They  ought,  like  beggary  lie  in  gracefa  way; 
Hence  Peter  taught  the  forcerer  to  prey  \  : 
For  though  mere  nat'^1  mens  addrefs  or  pray'rs 
Can  no  acjeprance  ^ain  a«  works  of  theirs, 
Not  have,  as  their  performance,  anyiway; 
Yer  as  a  divine  ordinance  they  may. 
Butfpotjcfi  truth  has  bound  itfelfto  grant 
The  full  of  none  but  the  believing  faint. 
In  Jefus,   perfons  once  accepted,  do 
Acceptance  find  in  him  for  duties  too. 
For  he,  whole  Son  they  do  in  marriage  take, 
Is  bound  to  hear  them  for  their  Hufband's  fake. 

But  let  no  Chriftlefs  foul  at  pray'r  appear, 
As  if  Jehovah  were  obliged  to  hear  : 
But  life  the  means,  becaufe  a  fov'reign  God 
!  May  come  with  alms,   in  this  his  wonted  road. 
He  wills  thee  to  frequent  kind  wifdom's  gate, 
To  read,  hear,  meditate,  to  pray  and  wait; 
Thy  fpirit  then  be  on  thefe  duties  bent, 
As  gofpel  means,  but  not  as  legal  rent. 
From  thefe  don't  thy  falvation  hope  nor  claim, 
But  from  Jehovah  in  the  ufe  of  them. 
The  beggar's  fpirit  never  was  fo  dull, 
While  waiting  at  the  gate  called  Beautiful, 
To  hope  for  fwecour  from  the  temple-gate, 
At  which  he  daily  did  fo  careful  wait ; 
But  from  the  rich  and  charitable  fort, 

no  to  rhe  temple  daily  made  refort. 
Means,  ordinances,  are  the  comely  gate 
At  which  kind  Heav'n  has  bid  us  confeant  wait  ; 

>t  that  from  thefe  we  have  our  alms,  but  from 
The  hb'ral  God,  who  there  is  wont  to  come. 
If  either  we  thefe  means  mail  dare  neglect 
3r  yet  from  theft  rh'  enriching  blifs  expect, 


\Jh  yiii.  22. 


83  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

We  from  the  glory  of  the  King  defalk, 
Who  in  the  galleries  is  wont  to  walk; 
We  move  not  regular  in  duties  road, 
But  b?.fe,  invert  them  to  an  idol- god. 

Seek  then,  if  gofpel  means  you  would  efTay, 
Through  grace  to  ufethem  in  a  gofpel  way  : 
Not  deeming  that  your  duties  are  the  price 
Of  divine  favour,  or  of  paradife  ; 
Nor  that  your  btfl  efforts  employ'd  in  thefc 
Are  fit  exploits  your  awful  judge  to  pleafe. 
"Why,  thus  you  bafely  idolize  year  trafh, 
And  make  it  with  the  blood  of  Jefm  clafn. 
You'd  buy  the  bleffing  with  your  vile  refufe, 
And  to  his  precious  rigbteoufnefs  abnfe. 
What !  buy  his  gifts  with  filthy  lumber  ?   nay  ;     - 
Whoever  offers  this  muft  hear  him  fay, 
Thy  money  perifh  with  thy  foul  for  ay  *. 

Duties  are  meanv,  which  to  the  marriage-bed 
Should  chaftelv  lead  us  like  a  chamber-maid  ; 
But  if  with  her  inftead  of  Chrift  we  match, 
We  nor  our  fafery  but  our  ruin  hatch. 
To  Cefar  what  is  Ctfar's  fiiould  be  giv'n 
But  Cefar  muft  not  have  what's  due  to  Heav'n  ; 
So  duties  fnould  have  duty's  room,  'tis  true, 
But  nothing  cf  the  glorious  Hufband's  due. 
While  means  the  debt  of  clofe  attendance  crave, 
Our  whole  dependence  God  alone  muft  have. 
If  duties,  tears,  our  conscience  pacify., 
They  with  the  blood  of  Chrift  prefume  to  vie, 
Means  are  his  vafTals;   fliall  we  witliout  grudge  ? 
Difcard  the  matter,'  and  efpoufe  the  drudge  ? 
The  hypocrite,  the  legalift  does  fin, 
To  live  on  dupes  not  in  Chrift  therein. 
He  only  feedi  on  empty  difbes,  plate*, 
Who  dotes  on  means  but  at  the  manna  frets. 

*  A<fts  vni.  20. 


Chap.  VI.  The  Believer's  Bfio^falt.  89 

Let  never  means  content  thy  0  ul  at  all, 
Without  the  Hufband,  who  is  all  in  all.  * 
Cry  daily  tor  the  happy  marriage  hour ; 
To  thee  belongs  the  mean,  to  him  the  powV. 

SECT.     III. 

A  Call  to  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  Vich  fom?  hints  at 
the  act  and  object  of  faith. 

FRIEND,  h  the  cuieftiori  on  thy  heart  erigrav'd, 
What  {hall  I  do  to  he  for  ever  fav'd  f  ? 
Lo  1  here's  a  living  rock  to  build  upon  ; 
Believe  in  JefusJ;   and  on  him  alone 
for  righteonlhefs  and  ilrengh  thine  anchor  drop, 
Renouncing  all  thy  former  legal  hope. 
'  Believe  (fays  you  !)  i  can  no  more  believe, 
1  Than  keep  the  law  of  works,  he  DO  and  LIVE.' 
True;   and  it  were  thy  mercv  didft  thou  fee 
Thine  utter  want  of  ail  ability. 
New  coy'nant  graces  he  alone  can  grant, 

hoff)  God  has  given  to  be  the  covenant  ; 
Ev'n  Jefus,  \vh  >ni  the  (acred  letters  call 

rhVobJecl:.  author,  finiiher,  and  all ; 
In  him  alone,   not  in  thr  acl  of  faith, 
Thy  foul  believing  full  falvation  \n:\\. 

In  this  new  cov'nam  judge  not  faith   to  hold 
The  room  of  perfect  doing  in  the  old. 
Faith  is  not  giv'n  to  be  the  fed'ral.price 
Of  other  b'liuinoij  or  of  paradjfe  ; 
B::  Heav'n,  by  giving  this,  (hikes  out  a  door 
^t  which  is  carried  in  full  more  and  more. 
No  firmer  mull  upon  his  faith  lay  ftrefs, 
^s  if  it  were  a  perfect  righteoufnefs. 
jod  ne'er  affign'd  unto  it  luch  a  place  ; 
Tis  but  at  brft  a  bankrupt  begging  gracc- 
CoL  iii.  3.    f  4$3  xvi.  3b:    t  Veri  31.     J  Ifa..  xlii.  o. 


90  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Its  object  makes  its  fame  to  fly  abroad, 
So  cloie  it  gripes  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  ; 
Which  righteoufnefs  receiv'd,  is  (without  ftrifc) 
The  true  condition  of  eternal  life. 

But  ftill,  fay  you,  pow'r  to  believe  I  mifs. 
You  may  ;   butvknow  yon  what  believing  is  ? 
Faith  lies  not  in  your  building  up  a  tow'r 
Of  iome  great  aftion  by  your  proper  j>o\v,r, 
For  Heav'n  well  knows  that  by  the  killing  fall 
iNo  pou  V,  no  will  remains  in  man  at  all 
For  sifts  divinely  good  ;  .  'till  iov'reign  grace 
By  pow'rful  drawing  virtue  turn  the  chafe. 
Hence  none  believe  in  Jefus  as  they  ought,  ^ 

*Yiil  once  they  firit  believe  the  yean  do  nought    ( 
!Nor  are  fufficierft  e'en  to  form  a  thought*.  j 

They're  confeious,  in  the  right  believing  hour, 
Of  human  weakpefs,  and  of  divine  pow'r. 
Faith  acts  not  in  the  fenfe  of  ftrength  and  mighty 
But  in  the  fenfe  of  weaknefs  aSfcs  outright. 
It  is  (noboafting  arm  of  pow'r  or  length,) 
But  weaknefs  acting  on  almighty  ftrength  ^. 
3 1  is  the  pow'riefs,   helplefs  fiRoer's  flight 
Into  the  open  arms  of  favihg  might  : 
'  Tis  an  employing  Jefus  to  do  all 
That  can  within  fa  1  (ration's  compafs  fall  ; 
To  be  the  agent  hind  in  ev'rv  thing 
Belonging  to  a  prophet,   prieifc,   and  king  ; 
To  teach,  to  pardon,  -fanclify,  andfave, 
And  nothing;  to  the  crearorc/s  pow'r  to  leave. 
Faith  makes  us  joyfully  content  that  he 
Our  Head,  our  Kufband,   and  our  All  mould  be  ; 
Our  rtghteotffnefc  and  ftrength, our  (lock  ant1  (lore. 
Our  fund  for  food  and  raiment,  grace  and  glore. 
It  makes  the  creature  down  to  nothing  fall, 
Content  that  Chiift  alone  be  all  in  all. 

*  2  Cor.  iii.  5.         f  2  Cor,  xii.  9. 


Chap.  VI.         The  Believer's  EfpoufaU.  97 

The  1  Ian  of  grace  is  faith's  delightful  view. 

With  which  it  ciofef  both  as  200c!  and  true. 

Until  the  trtuh,   the  mind's  aifeut  is  foil, 

Unto  the  good,  a  free  contenting  will. 

The  Holy  Spiut  heie  the  agent  chief, 

Creates  this' faith,  and  dajh^s  unbelief. 

Thru  very  God  who  call-  ns  to  believe, 

The  very  faith  he  feeks  mull  alfo  gwe. 

Why  calls  he  then  ?  fay  you.   Vi  ay,  man,  L~  wife  ; 

Why  did  he  call  de-ul  Lazarus  to  rife  ? 

Becaufe  the  orders  in  their  bofom  b?ar 

Almighty  pow'r  to  make  the  carcafe  hear. 

But  Heav  n  may  not  this  mighty  pow'r  difplay. 
Moil  true  ;    yet  ilill  thou  art  oblig'd  l'  obey. 
Fnit  God  is  not  at  all  obhofd  to  fhereh 
Hi?  faving  arm  tofnch  a  finful  wretch. 
Ail  who  within  falvation-rolis  have  plate, 
Arefav'd  by  a  prerogative  of  grace  ; 
Hut  veflels  all  that  fhal!  with  wrath  be  cramm'cl, 
Are  by  an  act  of  holy  juftice  damn'd. 
Take  then,  dear  foul,  as'from  a  friendly  heart, 
The  counfel  which  the  foil' win?  Hues  impart. 

I 

SECT.     IV. 

An  Advice  to  finners  to  apply  to  the  foveveign  mercy  of 
God,  as  it  is  difcovered  through  Christ,  to  the  hipheft 
honour  of  juftice j  and  other  divine  attributes,  in  order 
tofurtbef  their  faith  in  him  unto  falyation. 

G  O,  friend,  and  at  Jf. hcvah's  footftool  how  j 
Than  ]  'il  sot  what  a  fov'reigti  God  may  do. 

Conteis,  if  he  commiferate  thy  cafe, 
'Twill  he  an  a^  nifpQw'rful  fov'reign  grace. 
**queftraie  carefully  fame  folemn  hours, 


To  (hew  thy  grand  concerH  in  fecre:  bo  w'rs< 


02 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part  I. 


Then  in  th'  enfuing  drain  to  God  impart, 
And  pour  into  bis  bofom  all  thy  heart. 

*  O  glorious,  gracious,  powerful,  fovVeign  Lord, 
'  Thy  help  nnto  a  finful  worm  afford  ; 

c  Who  from  my  wretched  birth  to  this  fad  hour 
'  Have  ftiH  been  deftitute  of  will  and  pow'r  ['pite 
1  To  cloft  with  glorious  Chrift  ;  yea,  fill'd  with"] 
'  At  thy  fair  darling,    and  thy  faints  delight,         \ 

<  Refitting  all  his  grace  with  ail  my  might.  J 
1  Come,   Lord,  and  fap  my  enmity's  frrong  tow'r  ; 
'  O  hafte  the  marriage-day,   the  day  of  pow'r  : 

*  That  fweetly,   by  refiftlefs  grace  inclined, 
c  iMv  once  reluctant  be  a  willing  mind. 

?  Thou  fpak'ir.  to  being  ev'ry  thing  we  fee, 

*  When  thy  almighty  will  laid,   Let  it  be. 
?  Nothings  to  being  in  a  moment  pafs  : 

'  Let  there  be  light,   thou  faidft;   and  fo  it  was*. 
1  A  pmvVfol  word  like  this,  a  mighty  call, 

*  Mult  fay,   Let  there  be  faith,   and  then  it  (hall. 

1  Thou  feek'ft  mv  fairh  and  flight  from  fin  and  guilt  ; 
1  Give  what  thou  fcck'ft,  Lord;  then  feek  what  thou 
(  What       od  c^.r  [flue  from  a  root  lb  ill  !       [w4lt. 
f  This heart  of  mine's  a  wicked  lump  of  hell  ; 
f  'Twill  all  rhy  common  motion?  fttil  reHft, 
f  Unlets  with  Ipecial  drawing  virtue  bleft. 

*  Thou  cab*,  but  with  the  call  thy  pow'r  cotf-  "j 
4  Command  me  to  believe,  and  I'll  obey,  [_v*J  ;  ^ 
e  Nor  any  mare  thy  gracious  call  gain  lay.  J 
1  Command,  O  Lord,  effectually  command,  "| 
c  And  grant  I  be  not  able  ro  with  ft  and  ;  }> 
1  Then   pow'rlefs  I   will   ttreich  the  wither'd      J. 

1  I  to  thy  favour  can  pretend  no  claim*    [hand. 
€  But  what  is  borrow'd  froni  tl  ;  ions  name  ; 

<  Which  though  moll  juftty  thou  may'ft  glorify, 
1  In  damning  fuch  a  guilty  wretch  as  me. 

f  Gen.  i-  J. 


Chap.  Vi.  Tr  r'j    EffoufaU;  0^ 

*  A  faggot  fitted  for  the  burning  fire 

*  Of  thine  iHcenfed  everlaftmg  ire  : 

1  Yer,  Lord,  fince  now  J  h£ar  thy  glorious  Son. 
4  In  favour  of  a  tv.ee  that  wa*  uirlone, 
1  Did  in  fhy  name,   by  thy  authority, 
■  dee  to  the  lull  dern  judice  fatisfy  ; 

*  And  paid  more  glorious  tribute  thereunto 
Than  hell  and  ail  its  tormci       e'er  can  do. 
Since  my  Salvation  through  hi*  blood  can  raife  "] 
A  revenue  to  jndce'  bight fl  praife,  J» 

*  Higher  than  rents,  which  hell  for  ever  mvs :    J 
4  Thefe  to  tremendous  jufticc  never  bring 

A  farisfa&ion  equal  and  condlgi  . 
4  Bur  Jefus  our  once  dying  God  performs, 
4  What  never  could  by  ever-dying  worms: 

*  Since  thus  thy  threat'ning  law  i**  honour'd  more 
r  Than  e'er  my  fins  affronted  it  before  : 

r  Since  judice  item  may  greater  glory  win, 
4  By  julii tying  in  thy  darling  6on> 
4  Than  by  condemning  ev'a  the  rebel  me  ; 
4  To  this  device  nfwiidoni,  lo  !   I  flee. 

*  Let  judice,  Lord,  according  to  thy  will, 
4  Be  giorify'd  with  glory  great  and  full  ; 

4  Not  now  in  hell  where  judice  pettv  pay 
4  Is  but  extorted  parcels  mine'd  tor  a\  : 
r  But  giorify'd  in  Chrift,  who  down  haa  told 
4  The  total  Turn  at  once  in   liquid  cold. 

*  In  lowed  hell  low  praife  is  only  won, 
4  But  judice  has  the  higheft  in  thv  Son  : 

4  The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  let  in  red, 
4  To  ihew  the  gloriou*  morning;  w  ould  fncceed. 
In  him  then  lave  thou  me  from  firi  and  fliame, 

*  And  to  the  highed  glorify  thv  ua;me. 

4  Since  this  bright  fcene  thy  glories  all  exprefs, 
ice  as  emprels  reigns  through  nghreouinefs; 


94  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Since  mercy  fair  runs  in  a  crimfofi  flood, 
And  vents  through  juftice  fatisfying  blood  : 
Not  only  then  for  mercy's  fake  I  lue, 
But  for  tke  glory  of  thy  juftice  too. 
And  iince  e^ch  letter  of  thy  name  divine 
Has  in  fair  Jems'  face  the  brighter!  fiiine, 
This  glorious  Htrfband  be  for  ever  mine. 
'  On  this  flrong  argument  fo  fweet,  fo  h'eft, 
With  thy  allowance,   Lord,   I  muft  infift. 
Great  God,  Gnce  thou  ailow'fl:  unworthy  me 
To  make  thy  glorious  name  my  humble  plea; 
Nogiory  worthy  of  it  wilt  thou  gain, 
By  cafting  me  into  the  burning  main. 
My  feeble  back  can  never  fuit  the  load, 
That  fpeaks  thy  name  a  fin-revenging  God. 
Scarce  would  that  name  feem  a  confirming  fire 
Upon  a  worm  unworthy  of  thine  ire. 
But  fee  the  worthy  Lamb,  thy  chofen  Prieft 
With  juftice'  burningglafs  againft  his  breaft, 
Contracting  all  the  beams  of  '  venging  wrath,    , 
As  in  their  centre,  till  he  burn  to  death. 
Vengeance  can  never  be  fo  much  proclaimed. 
By  fcatter'd  beams  among  the  millions  damr/d. 
Then,  Lord,  in  him  me  to  the  utmoft  fove, 
And  thou  (halt  glory  to  the  higheil  have : 
Glory  to  wijdom,  that  contrived  io  well  ! 
Glory  to/JGouV,  that  bore  and  bury'd  hell  ! 
Glory  to  holinefsj  which  fin  defocd, 
With  ilnlefs  fervice  now  divinely  g:-ac'd  ! 
Giory  to  jufiice   fword,  that  flaming  flood. 
Now  drunk  to  pleafure  with  atoning  blood  ! 
Glory  to  truth,   that  now  in  fcarlet  clad, 
Has  feal'd  both  threats  and  promifes  with  red! 
Glory  to  mercy>  now  in  purple  ftreams, 
So  fwecrly  crlidinp- through  theaivine  flames 
Of  other  once  offended,  now  exalred  names  1 


Chap.   VI.  The  Bdkvsr*s  Efpoufals.  of 

4  Ench  attribute  confpires  with  joint  embrace,     ~> 
4  To  (hew  itsfparkling  rays  id  JeiW  face  ;  > 

«  And  thus  to  deck  the  crown  ot  matchlefs  grace.-) 
'  But  to  thy  name  in  hell  ne'er  can  accrue 
4  The  thousandth  part  of  this  great  revenue. 

4  O  ravifhing  contrivance  !  light  that  blinds 
'  Cherubic  gafzers,  and  feraphic  mind?. 
1  They  pry  into  the  deep,  and  love  to  learn 
1  What  yet  mould  vaftly  more  be  my  concern. 
1  Lord,  oace  my  hope  molt  reafonlels  could  dream 
4  Of  heav'n,  without  regard  to  thy  great  name  : 
i  But  here  is  laid  my  lading  hope  to  found, 
6  A  highly  rational,  a  divine  ground. 
1  'Tis  reafonable,  I  expecl  thou'lt  take 
1  The  way  that  moil  will  for  thine  honour  make. 
4  Is  this  the  plan  I  Lord,  let  me  build  my  claim 
4  To  life,  on  this  high  glory  of  thy  name. 

*  Nor  let  my  fa  it  hie  is  heart  or  think,  or  fay, 
'  That  all  this  glory  mall  be  thrown  away 

4  In  my  perdition  ;   which  will  never  raiie 
1  To  thy  great  name  fo  vaft  a  rent  of  praife. 

*  O  then  a  rebel  into  favour  take  : 

4  Lord,  fhield  and  fave  me  for  thy  glory's  lake. 

'  My  endlefs  ruin  is  not  worth  the  coil, 

4  Thar  fo  much  glory  be  for  ever  loll. 

4  I'll  of  the  greaieit  fmner  bear  the  fii 

c  To  bring  the  greateft  honcur  to  thy  name. 

*  Small  lois,   though  I  (hould  perifh  enclefs  days  : 
4  But  thouiand  pities  grace  ihould  lole  the  praiie, 
4  O  hear,  Jehovah,  get  the  glory  then, 
4  And  to  my  fupplication  fay,  Amen.' 


iame 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part  i. 


1 


SECT.     V. 

The    terrible  Doom  of  unbelievers    and    rejecters    of 
Christ,  or  de-oi.ers  of  the  gofpel. 

THUS,  (inner,  into  Jtfus'  bofom  flee, 
Then  there  is  hope  in  Ifra'1  fore  for  thee. 
Slight  not  the  call,  as  running  by  in  rbime, 
Lett  thou  repent  for  ay,  if  not  in  time. 
'Tis  moll  unlawful  to  contemn  and  flmn 
Ail  wholefome  counfels  that  in  metre  run  ; 
Since  the  prime  fountains  of  the  facred  writ, 
Much  beav'nly  truth  in  holy  rhimes  tranfniitj 
If  this  don't  pie-i^  yet  hence  it  is  no  crlntfe 
To  verify  the  word,  a>id  preach  in  rhirne. 
But  in  whatever  mould  the  doclrine  lies, 
Some  erring  minds  will  gqfpel-trrith  defpi/e 
Without  remied,  till  Heav'n  anoint  their  eyes. 
Tiiefe  lines  pretend  no  conquering  art  nor  (kill. 
But  ihew,  in  weak  attempts,  a  (Irons;  good-will, 
To  mortify  all  native  lenral  pride, 
And  court  the  Lamb  of  God  a  virgin  bride. 
If  he  thy  conjuct  match  be  never  giv  n, 
Thou'rt  doomM  to  hell,  as  lure  as  God's  in  heav? 
If  gofpel  grace  and  goodnefs  don't  thee  draw, 
Thou'rr  condemn^  already  by  the  law. 
Yea,  hence  damnation  deep  will  croubly  brace, 
If  Ail]  thy  heart  contemn  redeeming  grace. 
No  argument  from  fear  or  hope  will  move, 
Or  draw  thv  heart,  if  not  the  bond  of  love  : 
Nor  lowing  joys,  nor  flaming  terrors  chafe 
To  Chrift  the  hav'n,  without  the  gales  of  grace. 
O  iiighter  then  ot  grace's  joyful  found, 
Thou  art  over  to  the  wrathful  ocean  bound. 
Anon  thou'lt  link  into  the  gulf  of  woes, 
Whene'er  thv  waffirig  hours  are  at  a  clofe : 


n. 


Chap.  VI.  The  Believer's   Efpoufah.  97 

Thy  falfe  old  legal  hope  will  then  be  loft", 
And  with  thy  wretched  foul  give  up  the  ghofh 
Then  farewel  God  and  Chrift,  and  grace  and  glore; 
Undone  thou  art,  undone  for  evermore, 
For  ever  finking  underneath  the  load 
And  preffure  of  a  fin  revenging  God, 
The  facred  awful  text  aflcrts,  To  fall 
Into  his  living  hands  is  fearful  thrall ; 
When  no  more  facrifice  for  fin  remains  *, 
But  ever-living  wrath,  and  lading  chains: 
Heav'n  iVill  upholding  life  in  dreadful  death, 
Still  throwing  down  hot  thunderbolts  of  wrath, 
As  full  of  terror,  and  as  manifold, 
As  finite  veffels  of  his  wrath  can  hold.  CCTT» 

€  Then>  then  we  mayfoppofe  the  wretch  to  n 
1  Oh  !  if  this  damning  God  would  let  me  die,  > 
1  And  not  torment  me  to  eternity  1  J 

(  Why  from  the  filent  womb  of  ftupid  earth, 
i  Did  Heav'n  awake  and  pufh  me  into  birth  ? 
€  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  gave  me  life  ; 
'  Curs'd  be  the  cruel  parents,  man  and  wife, 
'  Means  of  my  being,   inftruments  of  woe  ; 
c  For  now  I'm  damn'd,  I'm  damn'd,  and  always  fo. 
'  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  made  me  hear 
*  The  got  pel-call,  which  brought  falvation  near. 
'  The  endleis  founds  of  flighted  mercy's  belJ, 
c  Has  in  mine  ears  the  moft  tormenting  knell. 

Of  offer'd  grace  I  vain  repent  the  lots 
4   The  joyful  found  with  horror  recognofce, 
'  The  hollow  vault  reverberates  the  found  ;         -i 
1  This  killing  echo  ftrikes  the  deepeft  wound,       ± 
c  And  with  too  late  remorfe  does  now  confound.  J 
1  Into  the  dungeon  of  defpair  I'm  lock'd; 
1  Th'  once  open  door  of  hope  for  ever  blotk'd  ► 


♦  H«b.  x.  29,  gr, 


< 


t 


$2  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  I. 

Hopelefs,  I  fink  into  the  dark  abyfs, 

Banifh'd  for  ever  from  eternal  biffs. 

In  boiling  waves  of  vengeance  muft  I  lie  ? 

O  could  1  curie  this  dreadful  God,  and  die  ! 

Infinite  years  in  torment  fhall  I  fpend, 
And  never,  never,  never  at  an  end  ! 
Ah  !  muft  I  live  in  torturing  defpair 
As  many  years  as  atoms  in  the  air  i 
When  thefe  are  fpent  as  many  thoufands  more 
As  grains  of  fand  that  croud  the  ebbing  fhore  ? 
When  thefe  are  done  as  many  yet  behind 
As  leaves  of  foreft  fhaken  with  the  wind  ? 
When  thefe  are  gone,  as  many  to  enfue 
As  ftems  of  grafs  on  hills  and  dales  that  grew  ? 
When  thefe  run  out,  as  manv  on  their  inarch 
As  ftarry  lamps  that  gild  the  fpangled  arch  ? 
When  thefe  expire,  as  many  millions  more, 
As  moments  in  the  millions  pa(t  before? 
When  all  thefe  doleful  years  are  fpent  in  pain, 
And  multiply'd  by  myriads  again, 
Till  numbers  drown  the  thought ;  could  I  fuppofe 
That  then  my  wretched  years  were  at  a  clofe, 
This  would    afford  fome  eafe;    but,  ah!  1  (hiver 
To  think  upon  the  dreadful  found,  for  ever  I 
The  burning  gulph,   where  I  blafpheming  ly, 
Is  time  no  more,  but  vail:  eternity. 
The  growing  torment  I  endure  for  fin, 
Through. ages  all  is  always  to  begin. 
How  Sid  I  but  a  grain  of  pleafure  fow, 
.To  reap  an  bar  veil  of  immortal  wo  .? 

V Bound  to  the  bottom  o'  the  burning  main, 
Gnawing  my  chains,  1  wifh  for  death  in  vain. 
Juft  doom  !   iince  1  that  bear  the  eternal  load 
Conternn'd  the  death  of  an  eternal  God. 
Oh  !   if  the  God  that  cu.s'd  me  to  the  lam, 
Would  blefs  me  back  19  nothing- with  a  dafn  ! 


Chap.  VI.  Tb;  t>clicv:r* s  Efpoufals.  9^ 

But  hopelefs  I  the  juft  avenger  hate, 
Blafpheme  the  wrathful  Gud,  and  Gurfe  my  fate/ 
To  thefe  this  word  of  terror  I  direct, 
Who  now  the  great  falvation  dare  neglect*  : 
To  all  the  Chrift-defpifing  multitude, 
That  trample  on  the  great  Redeemer's  blood ; 
That  fee  no  beauty  in  his  glorious  face, 
3ut  flight  his  offers,  and  refufe  his  grace. 
\  meflenger  of  wrath  to  none  1  am, 
[Jut  thofe  that  hate  to  wed  the  worthy  Lamb* 
?or  though  the  fmalleft  fins,  if  fmall  can  be, 
Will  plunge  the  Chriftlefs  foul  in  mifery : 
Yet,  lo!   the  greateft  that  to  mortals  cleave, 
Shan't  damn  the  fouls  in  Jefus  that  believe; 
iBecaufe  they  on  the  very  method  fall 
irhat  well  caw  make  amends  to  God  for  all. 
Whereas  proud  fouls,  through  unbelief  won't  lei 
The  glorious  God  a  reparation  get, 
Of  all  his  honour,  in  his  darling  Son, 
Vor  all  the  great  difhonours  they  have  done. 
\  faithlefs  foul  the  glorious  God  bereaves 
Df  all  the  fatisfacYion  that  he  craves; 
Hence  under  divine  hotteft  fury  lie?, 
r\nd  with  a  double  vengeance  jultly  dies. 
The  bhekeft  part  of  Tophet  is  their  place, 
Who  flight  the  tenders  of  redeeming  grace. 
That  (acrilegtons  monfter,    Unbelief, 
M)  h.ird'ned  'gainft  remorie  and  pious  grief, 
jlobs  God  of  all  the  plorv  of  his  names, 
!^nd  ev  ry  divine  attribute  defames. 
ft  Ion  lly  calls  the  truth  of  God  a  lie  ; 
The  God  of  truth  a  liar  f  ;   horrid  cry  ! 
Doubts  and  denies  his  precious  words  of  grace, 
3  venom  in  the  royal  Suitor's  face. 

*  Heb.  ii.  3.  -f  John  v.  12- 


loo  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  I. 

This  monfter  cannot  ceafe  all  fin  to  hatch. 

Becaufe  it  proudly  mars  the  happy  match. 

As  each  law-wedded  foul  is  join'd  to  fin, 

And  deftitute  of  holinefs  within  ; 

So  all  that  wed  the  law,  muft  wed  the  curfe, 

Which  rent  they  fcorn  to  pay  with  Chrift's  full  purfe. 

They  clear  may  read  their  dreadful  doom  in  brief, 

Whole  fefter'd  fore  is  final  unbelief; 

Though  to  the  law  their  life  exactly  fram'd,        f 

For  zealous  acts  and  paflions  too  were  fam'd  :      [ 

Yet,  lo  !  He  that  believes  not,  (hall  be  damn'd  f.  J 

But  now  'tis  proper,  on  the  other  fide, 
With  words  of  comfort  to  addrefs  the  bride. 
She  in  her  glorious  Huiband  does  pofTefs 
Adorning  grace,  acquitting  righteoufnefs : 
And  hence  to  her  pertain  the  golden  mines 
Of  comfort  op'ned  in  the  foll'wing  lines. 


tjohniii.   18. 


GOSPEL   SONNETS- 


part   ii. 
The  Believer's  Jointure: 

The  Poem  continued  upon  Isaiah  liv.  5. 
Thy  Maker  is  thy  Hufband. 

N*  B.  The  following  lines  being  primarily  intend- 
ed for  the  ufe  and  edification  of  pioufly  exercif- 
ed  foals,  and  efpecially  thofe  of  a  more  com- 
mon and  ordinary  capacity  ;  the  author  thought 
fit,  through  the  whole  of  this  fecond  part  of  the 
book,  to  continue,  as  in  the  former  editions,  to 
repeat  that  part  of  the  text,  Thy  Hufband,  in 
the  laft  line  of  every  verfe  :  becaufe,  however 
it  tended  to  limit  him,  and  relirift  his  liberty  of 
words  in  the  compofition,  yet  having  ground  to 
judge  that  this  appropriating  compensation  ftill 
refumed,  has  rendered  thefe  lines  formerly  the 
more  favoury  to  fome  exercifed  Chriftians,  to 
whom  the  name  of  Chrijl  (particularly  as  their 
Head  and  Hufband)  is  as  ointment  poured  forth  : 
he  chofe  rather  to  lubjedl  himfelf  to  that  reflec- 
tion, than  to  with-hold  what  may  tend  to  the 
fatisfaction  and  comfort  of  thofe  to  whom  Chrift 
is  all  in  all;  and  to  whom  his  name,  as  their 
Hu&band,  fo  many  various  ways  applied,  will 
be  no  naufe'ous  repetition. 


102  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II. 


C  H  A  P    I. 

Containing  the  Privileges  of  the  Be» 
liever  that  is  efpoufed  to  Christ  by 
faith  of  divine  operation. 

SECT,    I. 

The  Believer's  perfect  beauty,  free  acceptance,  and 
full  fecurity,  through  the  imputation  of  Christ's  per- 
fect righteoufnefs,  though  imparted  grace  be  imperfect* 

O  Happy  foul,  Jehovah's  bride^ 
The  Lamb's  beloved  fjpoufe  ; 
Strong  confolation's  flowing  tide, 
Thy  Husband  thee  allows. 

In  thee,  though  like  thy  father's  race. 

By  nature  black  as  hell ; 
Yet  now  fo  beautify'd  by  grace, 

Thy  Husband  loves  to  dwell. 

Fair  as  the  moon  thy  robes  appear, 

While  graces  are  in  drefs  : 
Clear  as  the  fun  *,  while  found  to  wear 

Thy  Husband's  righteoufnefs. 

Thy  moon- like  graces,  changing  much, 

Have  here  and  there  a  fpot ; 
Thy  fun-like  glory  is  not  fuch, 

Thy  Husband  changes  not. 

Thy  white  and  ruddy  vefture  fair 
Outvies  the  roiy  leaf; 


i 


Song  vi.  IQ. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  103 

For  'mong  ten  thoufand  beauties  rare 
Thy  Husband  is  the  chief. 

Cloth'd  with  the  fun,  thy  robes  of  light 

The  morning  rays  outfhine  ; 
The  lamps  of  heav'n  are  not  fo  bright, 

Thy  Hufband  decks  thee  fine. 

Though  hellifh  fmoke  thy  duties  ftain, 

And  fin  deforms  thee  quite ; 
Thy  Surety's  merit  makes  thee  clean, 

Thy  Hufband's  beauty  white. 

Thy  pray'rs  and  tears,  nor  pure  nor  good, 

But  vile  and  loathfome  Teem  : 
Yet  gain  by  dipping  in  his  blood, 

Thy  Rufband's  high  efteem. 

No  fear  thou  ftarve,  though  wants  be  great. 

In  him  thou  art  compleat  *  : 
Thy  hungry  foul  may  hopeful  wait, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  thee  meat. 

Thy  money,  merit,  pow'r  and  pelf, 

Were  fquandered  by  thy  fall ; 
Yet  having  nothing  in  thyfelf, 

Thy  Hufband  15  thy  all. 

Law  precepts,  threats,  may  both  befet 

To  crave  of  thee  their  due  ; 
But  juftice  for  thy  double  debt 

Thy  Hufband  did  purfue. 

Though  juftice  ftern  as  much  belong 

As  mercy  to  a  God  ; 
Yet  juftice  fuffered  here  no  wrong. 

Thy  Hufband's  back  was  broad. 

*  Col.  ii.  19. 


104  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  II. 

He  bore  the  load  of  wrath  alone, 

That  mercy  might  take  vent ; 
Heav'n's  pointed  arrows  all  upon 

Thy  Hufband's  heart  was  fpent. 

Ko  partial  pay  could  juftice  ftill, 

No  farthing  was  retrenched  ; 
Vengeance  exacted  all,  until 

Thy  Huiband  all" advanced. 

He  paid  in  liquid  golden  red 

Each  mite  the  law  required, 
Till  with  a  loud  '77/  finijhed*, 

Thy  Hufband's  breath  expir'd. 

Ko  procefs  more  the  law  can  tent ; 

Thou  ftand'ft  without  its  verge, 
And  may  eft  at  pleafure  now  prefent 

Thy  Hufband's  full  dTcharge. 

Though  now  contracted  guilt  bege: 

New  fears  of  divine  ire  ; 
Yet  fear  thou  not,  though  drown'd  in  debtj 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  payer. 

God  might  in  rigour  thee  indite 

Of  higheft  crimes  and  flaws  ; 
But  on  thy  head  no  curfe  can  light, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  caufe. 

S  E  C  T.     II. 

Christ  the  belie ver's  friend,  prophet,  prieft,  king,  de^ 
fence,  guide,  guard,  help,  and  healer. 

DEAR  foul,  when  all  the  human  race 
Lay  weltering  in  their  gore 

*  John  xix.  3  3. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  joc 

Vaft  numbers  in  that  difmal  cafe 
Thy  Hufband  pafTed  o'er. 

But  pray,  why  did  he  thoufands  pafs, 

And  let  his  heart  on  thee  ? 
The  deep,  the  fearchlefs  reafon  was, 

Thy  Hufband's  love  is  free. 

The  forms  of  favour,  names  of  grace, 

And  offices  of  love, 
He  bears  for  thee,  with  open  face 

Thy  Hufband's  kindneis  prove. 

'Gainft  darknefs  black,  and  error  blind, 

Thou  haft  a  fun  and  fliield  *  : 
And,   to  reveal  the  Father's  mind, 

Thy  Hufband's  Prophet  feal'd. 

Pe  likewife  to  procure  thy  peace, 

And  fave  from  fin's  a  r  re  ft, 
llefign'd  himfelf  a  facrifice  ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  Priefi. 

And  that  he  might  thy  will  fubjeclj 

And  fweetly  captive  bring, 
Thy  fins  fubdue,  his  throne  creel, 

Thy  Hufband  i$*thy  King. 

Though  numerous  and  aflaulting  foes 

Thy  joyfu!  peace  may  mar  ; 
And  thou  a  thoufand  battles  lofe, 

Thy  Hufband  wins  the  war. 

Jieli's  force?,  which  thy  mind  appall, 

His  arm  can  foon  difpatch  ; 
How  ft  rang  foe'er,  yet  for  them  all 

Thy  Hufband'^  more  than  match. 

Though  fecret  lufts  with  hid  conteftj 
i3y  heavy  groans  reveal'd, 

*  Pfalm  lxxxiv.    1 1 . 
E  a 


jo6  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II* 

And  devils  rage  ;   yet  do  their  belt, 
Thy  Hufband  keeps  the  field. 

When,  in  defertion's  evening  dark, 

Thy  fteps  are  apt  to  Aide, 
His  conduct  feek,  his  counfel  mark, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  guide. 

In  doubts,  renouncing  felf-conceit, 

His  word  and  Spirit  prize  : 
He  never  counfeil'd  wrong  as  yet, 

Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife. 

When  weak,  thy  refuge  fecfl:  at  hand, 

Yet  cannot  run  the  length  : 
3Tis  prefent  pow'r  to  underftand 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  flrength. 

When  fliakin g  ftorms  annoy  thy  heart, 

His  word  commands  a  calm  : 
When  bleeding  wounds,  to  eafe  thy  fmart, 

Thy  Huiband's  blood  is  balm. 

Truft  creatures,  nor  to  help  thy  thrall, 

Nor  to  afluage  thy   grief: 
Ufe  means,  but  look  beyond  them  all, 

Thy  Huiband's  thy  relief. 

If  Heav'n  prefcribe  a  bitter  ^rug, 

Fret  not  with  froward  will  : 
This  carriage  may  thy  cure  prorogue  ; 

Thy  Hufband  wants  not  ikill. 

He  fees  the  fore,  he  know  the  cure 

Will  moft  adapted  be  ; 
'Tis  then  moil  reafonable,  fure, 

Thy  Hufband  choofe  for  thee. 

Friendfhip  is  in  his  chaftifements, 

And  favour  in  bis  frowns'; 
Thence  judge  not  then  in  heavy  plaints, 

Thy  Hufband  thee  difowns. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  107 

The  deeper  his  fharp  lancet  go 

In  ripping  up  thy  wound, 
The  more  thy  healing  (hail  unto 

Thy  Hufband's  praife  redound. 

SECT.     HI. 

Christ  the  believer's  wonderful  phyfician,  andwealtby 
friend. 

KIND  Jefus  empties  whom  he'll  fill, 

Cafts  clown  whom  he  will  raife  ; 
He  qucikens  whom  he  teems  to  kill  ; 

Thy  Hufband  thus  gets  praife. 

When  awful  rods  are  in  his  hand, 

There's  mercy  in  his  mind  ; 
When  clouds  upon  his  brow  do  ftand, 

Thy  Hufband's  heart  is  kind. 

In  various  chancres  to  and  fro, 

He'll  ever  conitant  prove  ; 
Nor  can  his  kindnefs  come  and  go, 

Thy  Hufband's  name  is  Love. 

His  friends  in  moft  afflicted  lot 

His  favour  melt  have  felt  ; 
for  when  they're  try'd  in  furnace  hot 

Thy  Hufband's  bowels  melt. 

When  he  his  bride  or  wounds  or  heal.-', 

Heart  kindnefs  does  him  move  ; 
And  wraps  in  frowns  as  well  as  fmile?, 

Thy  Hufband's  Jailing  love. 

In's  hand  no  cure  could  ever  fail 

Though  of  a  hopelefs  ftate 
He  can  in  defp'rate  cafes  heal, 

Thy  hufband's  art's  fo.  great. 


ic3  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  1I« 

The  medicine  he  did  prepare, 

Can't  fail  to  work  for  good  : 
O  bal  fa  m  pow'rfu!,  precious,  rare, 

Thy  Hufband's  facred  blood  : 

Which  freely  from  his  broached  breaft 

Gufn'd  our  like  pent  up  fire 
His  cures  are  beft,  his  wages  leaft, 
Thy  Hufband  takes  no  hire. 

Thou  haft  no  worth,  r.o  might,  no  good^ 

His  favour  to  procure  : 
But  fee  his  ilore,  his  pow'r  his  blood  i 

Thy  Hufband's   never  poor. 

Himfelf  he  humbled  wond'roufly 

Once  to  the  loweft  pitch, 
That  bankrupts  through  his  poverty 

Thv  Huiband  might  enrich. 

His  rreafure  is  more  excellent 

Than  hills  of  Ophir  gold  : 
In  telling  ftore  were  ages  fpent, 

Thy  Hufband's  can't  be  told. 

K\\  things  that  By  on  wings  of  fame* 

Compar'd  with  this  are  drofsj 
Thy  iearchlefs  riches  in   his  name 

Thy  Hufband  doth  en^rofs. 

The  great  Immanuel,  God-man, 

Includes  fuch  ftore  divine  ; 
Angels  and  faints  will  never  fcan 

Thy  Husband's  golden  mine. 

He's  full  of  grace  and  truth  *  indeed, 

Of'  Spirit  +  ,,  merit,  might  ; 
Of  all  the  wealth  that  bankrupts  need, 

Thy  Husband's  heir  by  right. 

*Johni.  14.  fjohniii.  3.4> 


Chap.   I.  Ths  Believer's  Jointure.  109 

Tho'  heavVs  his  throne  *,  he  came  from  thence, 

To  feek  and  lave  the  loft  f ; 
Whatever  he  the  vaft  expence, 

Thy  Husband's  at  the  coft. 

Pleas'd  to  expend  each  drop  of  blood 

That  fill'd  his  royal  veins, 
He  frank  the  facred  victim  ftood  ; 

Thy  Husband  fpares  no  pains. 

His  coft  immenfe  was  in  thy  place, 

Thy  freedom  coft  his  thrall  ; 
Thy  glory  coft  him  deep  di (grace, 

Thy  Husband  paid  for  all    . 

SECT.     IV. 

_f  he  believer's  furety  under  the  covert  of  Christ's  aton-. 
ing  blood,  and  powerful  intercejlion. 

WH  EN  Heav'n  proclaim'd  hot  war  and  wratb; 

And  fin  increas'd  the  ft  rife  ; 
By  rich  obedience  unto  death, 

Thy  Hufband  bought  thy  life. 

The  charges  could  not  be  abridg'd, 

But  on  thefe  noble  terms ; 
Which  all  rlut  prize,  are  hugg'd  amidft 

Thy  Hufband's  folded  arms. 

When  law  condemns,  andjuftice  too 

To  prifon  would  thee  hale  ; 
As  (ureries  kind  for  bankrupts  do, 

Thy  Husband  oifers  bail. 

God  on  thefe  terms  is  reconcii'd, 

And  thou  his  heart  haft  won  ; 
In  Chrift  thou  art  his  favour'd  child, 

Thy  Husband  is  his  Son. 

*  Ifa.  lxyi.  I*  f  Luke  xix.  UL 


no  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  II. 

Vindictive  wrath  is  whole  appeas'd, 

Thou  need'ftnot  then  be  mov'd  ; 
In  Jesus  always  he's  well  pleased) 

Thy  Husband's  his  Belovd\, 

What  can  be  laid  unto  thy  charge, 

When  God  does  not  condemn  ? 
Bills  of  complaint,  though  foes  enlarge, 

Thy  Husband  anfwers  them. 

When  fear  thy  guilty  mind  confounds, 

Full  comfort  this  may  yield; 
Thy  ranfom-bill  with  blood  and  wounds 

Thy  Husband  kind  has  feal'd. 

His  promife  is  the  fair  extract 

Thou  haft  at  hand  to  fhew  ; 
Stern  juftice  can  no  more  exact, 

Thy  Hufband  paid  its  due. 

No  terms  he  left  thee  to  fulfil, 

No  clog  to  mar  thy  faith  ; 
His  bond  is  iign'd,  his  latter-will 

Thy  Hufband  feal'd  by  death. 

The  great  condition  of  the  band 

Of  promife  aud  of  blifs, 
Is  wrought  by  him,  and  brought  to  handj 

Thy  Hufband's  righteoufnefs. 

When  therefore  prefs'd  in  time  of  needa 

To  fue  the  promis'd  good, 
Thou  haft  no  more  to  do  but  plead 

Thy  Hufband's  fealing  blood. 

This  can  thee  more  to  God  commend, 

And  cloudy  wrath  difpel, 
Than  e'er  thy  finning  could  offend  j 

Thy  Hufband  vanquifrYd  hell. 

\  r^atth.  iii.  17. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  in 

When  vengeance  Teems,  for  broken  laws, 

To  light  on  thee  with  dread ; 
Let  Chrift  be  umpire  of  thy  caufe, 

Thy  Hufband  well  can  plead. 

He  pleads  his  righteoufnefs  that  brought, 

All  rents  the  law  could  crave  ; 
Whate'er  its  precepts,  threatening*,  foughtf 

Thy  Hufband  fully  gave. 

Did  holinefs  in  precepts  (land, 

And  for  perfection  call, 
Juftice  in  threai'nings  death  demand  ? 

Thy  Hufband  gave  it  all. 

His  blood  the  fiery  law  did  quench, 

Its  fummons  need  not  fear  : 
Tho  *t  cite  thee  to  Heav'n's  awful  bench* 

Thv  Hufband's  at  the  bar. 

This  advocate  has  much  to  fay, 

His  clients  need  not  fear  ; 
For  God  the  Father  hears  him  ay, 

Thy  Hufband  hath  his  ear. 

A  caufe  fail'd  never  in  his  hand^ 

So  ftron^his  pleading  is  ; 
His  Father  grants  his  whole  demand, 

Thy  Hufband's  will  is  his. 

Hell-forces  all  may  rendezvous, 

Accnfers  may  combine  ; 
Yet  fear  thou  not  who  art  hisfponfe, 

Thy  Hufband's  caufe  is  thine. 

By  folemnoath  Jehovah  did 

His  priefthood  ratify  ; 
Let  earth  and  hell  then  counterplead^ 

Thy  Hufband  gains  the  plea. 


H2  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II. 

SECT.     V. 

The    believer's  faith  and  hope  encouraged   even   i» 
the  darkeft  nights  of  defertion  and  diftrefs. 

THE  cunning  ferpent  may  accufe, 

But  never  fliall  fucceed  ; 
The  God  of  peace  will  Satan  bruife, 

Thy  Hufband  broke  his  head  *. 

Hell  furies  threaten  to  devour, 

Like  lion's  robb'd  of  whelps: 
But  lo  !  in  ev'ry  per'Ious  hour, 

Thy  Hufband  always  helps. 

That  feeble  faith  may  never  fail, 

Thine  Advocate  has  pray'd; 
Though  winnowing  tempeft  may  aflaill 

Thy  Hufoand's  near  to  aid. 

Though  grievous  trials  grow  a- pace, 

And  put  thee  to  a  ftand>; 
Thou  rnay'ft  rejoice  in  ev'ry  cafe, 

Thy  Hufbdud's  help  at  hand. 

Truft  though,  when  in  defertion  dark. 

No  twinkling  ftar  by  night, 
No  ray  appear,  no  glirnVing  fpark  ; 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  light. 

His  beams  anon  the  clouds  can  rent, 

And  through  the  vapours  run*; 
For  of  the  brjghteft  firmament, 

Thy  Husband  is  the  fun. 

Without  the  fun"  who  mourning:  20, 

And  fcarce  the  way  can  find, 
He  brings  through  paths  they  do  not  know  f ; 
Thy  H  us  bard  leads  the  blind. 

i  Horn,  xvl  ?0,  f  Ijk  xliii.  i& 


Chap.  I.  Tie  Believes  Jointure.  nj 

Through  fire  and  water  he  with  Hull 

Brings  to  a  wealthy  land  ; 
Rude  flames  and  roaring  floods,   be  stili* 

Thy  Husband  can  command. 

When  fin  diforders  heavy  bring?, 

Thatprefs  thy  foul  with  weight; 
Then  mind  how  many  crooked  things 

Thy  Husband  has  made  ftraight. 

Still  look  to  him  with  longing  eyes, 
Though  both  thine  eyes  fliould  fail ; 

Cry,  and  at  length,  though  not  thy  criej^ 
Thy  Husband  fhali  prevail. 

Still  hope  for  favour  at  his  hand, 

Though  favour  don't  appear  ; 
When  help  feems  moft  aloof  to  ftand, 

Thy  Husband's  then  moft  near. 

In  cafes  hopelefs-like,  faint  hopes 

May  fail,  and  fears  annoy ; 
But  moft  when  ftript  of  earthly  props^ 

Thy  Husband  thoul'r  enjoy. 

If  providence  the  promite  thwart, 

And  yet  thy  humbled  mind 
'Gainit  hope  believers  in  hope-)-,  thou  art 

Thy  Hufband's  deareft  friend. 

Art  thou  a  weakling,  poor  and  faint, 

In  jeopardy  each  hour  \ 
Let  not  thy  weaknefs  move  thy  plaint, 

Thy  Husband  has  the  pow'r. 

Dread  not  the  foes  that  foil'd  thee  long, 

Will  ruin  thee  at  length  : 
When  thou  art  weak,  then  art  thou  ftrong^ 
Thy  Husband  is  thy  ftrength. 

f  Rom.  vi.  j8» 


1X4  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  II. 

When  foes  are  mighty,  many  too, 

Don't  fear,  nor  quit  the  field  ; 
'Tis  not  with  thee  they  have  to  do, 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  fhield. 

*Tis  hard  to  fight  againft  an  hoft, 

Or  ftrive  againft  the  ftream  ; 
But  lo  !  when  all  feems  to  be  loft, 

Thy  Husband  will  redeem. 

SECT.     VI. 

Benefits  accruing  to  Believers,  from  the  offices,  namesj 
natures,  and  fufferings  of  Christ. 

ART  thou  by  lufts  a  captive  led. 

Which  breeds  thy  deepeft  grief  I 
To  ranfom  captives  is  his  trade, 

Thy  Husband's  thy  relief. 

His  precious  name  is  Jesus,  why  I 

Becaufe  he  faves  from  fin  *  ? 
Redemption-right  he  won't  deny, 

Thy  Husband's  near  a  kin. 

His  wounds  have  fav'd  thee  once  from  woes, 
His  blood  from  vengeance  fcreen'd ; 

When  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell  were  foes, 
Thy  Husband  was  a  friend : 

And  will  thy  Captain  now  look  on, 

And  fee  thee  trampled  down  ? 
When,  lo!  thy  Champion  has  the  throne, 

Thy  Husband  wears  the  crown. 

Yield  not,  though  cunning  Satan  bribe, 

Or  like  a  lion  roar  ? 
The  Lion  ftrong  of  Judah's  tribe, 

Thy  Husband's  to  tbe  fore. 

*  Matth.  i.  21. 


Chap.   I-  The  Believer's  Jointure.  1 15 

And  that  he  never  will  forfake  *, 

His  credit  fair  he  pawn'd ; 
In  hotted  broils,  then,  courage  take, 

Thy  Husband's  at  thy  hand. 

No  ftorm  needs  drive  thee  to  a  ftrait, 

Who  doft  his  aid  invoke  : 
Fierce  winds  may  blow,  proud  waves  may  beat, 

Thy  Husband  is  the  rock. 

Renounce  thine  own  ability, 

Lean  to  his  promis'd  might ; 
The  ftrength  of  Ifr'ei  cannot  lie, 

Thy  Husband's  pow'r  is  plight. 

An  awful  truth  does  here  prefent^ 

Whoever  think  it  odd  ; 
In  him  thou  art  omnipotent, 

Thy  Husband  is  a  God. 

Jehovah's  ftrength  is  in  thy  Head, 

Which  faith  may  boldly  fcan  ; 
God  in  thy  nature  does  refide, 

Thy  Husband  is  a  man* 

Thy  flefli  is  his,  his  Spirit  thine  1 

And  that  you  both  are  one, 
One  body,  Ipirit,  temple,  vine, 

Thy  Husband  deigns  to  own. 

Kind  he  affum'd  thy  flefh  and  blood 

This  union  to  purfue  ; 
And  without  fhame  his  brotherhood 

Thy  Husband  does  avow. 

He  bore  the  crofs  thy  crown  to  win, 

His  blood  he  freely  fpilt ; 
That  holy  One  afTuming  fin, 

Thy  Husband  bore  the  guilt. 

*  Heb.  xiii.  5* 


n6  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  !!• 

Lq  !  what  a  blefs'd  exchange  is  this  1 

Whar  wifdom  mines  therein ! 
That  thou  mighi'ft  be  ra.ide  right  e.oufnefs, 

Thy  Husband  was  made  fin  *"; 

The  God  of  joy  a  man  of  grief, 

Thy  forrows  to  difcufs ; 
Pure  innocence  hang'd  as  a  thief; 

Thy  Husband  lovM  thee  thus. 

Bright  beauty  has  his  vifage  marr'd 

His  comely  form  abufs'd, 
True  reft  was  from  all  reft  debarr'd, 

Thy  Husband's  heel  was  brmYd. 

The  God  of  bleffinirs  was  a  curfe. 

The  Lord  of  lords  a  drudge, 
The  heir  of  all  things  poor  in  purfe  i 

Thy  Husband  did  not  g.  udge. 

The  judge  of  all  condemned  was, 

The  God  immortal  flain  : 
No  favour  in  thy  woful  caufe. 

Thy  Husband  did  obtain. 

0 

SECT.     VII. 

Christ's  fufferings  further  improved;  and  Believers 
called  to  live  by  faith,  both  when  they  have  and  want 
fenfible  influences. 

LOUD  praifes  fing,  without  farceafe> 

To  him  that  frankly  came, 
And  gave  his  foul  a  facriflce  ; 

Thy  Husband  was  the  Lamb. 

What  wakcn'd  vengeance  could  denounce, 
All  round  him  did  befet ; 

*  2  Cor.  v.  21, 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  117 

And  never  left  his  foul  'till  once 
Thy  Husband  paid  the  debt. 

And  though  new  debt  thou  {till  contract, 

And  run  in  deep  arrears  ; 
Yet  all  thy  burdens  on  his  back, 

Thy  Husband  always  bears. 

Thy  Judge  will  ne'er  demand  of  thee 

Two  payments  for  one  debt  ; 
Thee  with  one  victim  wholly  free 

Thy  Husband  kindly  fet. 

That  no  grim  Vengeance  might  thee  meet^ 

Thy  Husband  met  with  all ; 
And  that  thy  foul  might  drink  the  fweet, 

Thy  Husband  drank  the  grill. 

Full  breafts  of  joy  he  loves  t'  extend, 

Like  to  a  kindly  nurfe  ; 
And,  that  thy  bills  might  full  be  gain'd, 

Thy  Husband  was  a  curie. 

Thy  fins  he  glu'd  unto  the  tree> 

His  blood  this  virtue  hath  ; 
For,  that  thy  heart  to  fin  might  die, 

Thy  Husband  fuffer'd  death. 

To  pnrchafe  fjiljy  all  thy  good, 

All  evil  him  befel ; 
To  win  thy  heav'n  with  flreams  of  blood, 

Thy  Husband  quenched  hell. 

That  this  kind  days-man  in  one  band 

Might  God  and  man  betroth, 
He  on  both  parties  lays  his  hand, 

Thy  Husband  pleales  both. 

The  blood  that  could  flern  juftlce  pleafe, 
And  law-demapds  fulfil, 


n8  Gospel  Sonnets*         Part  II, 

Can  only  guilty  confcience  eafe ; 
Thy  Husband  clears  the  bill. 

Thy  higheft  glory  is  obtain'd 

By  his  abatement  deep ; 
And  that  thy  tears  might  all  be  drain'd, 

Thy  Husband  chofe  to  weep. 

His  bondage  all  thy  freedom  bought, 

He  ftoop'd  Co  lowly  down  ; 
His  grappling  all  thy  grandeur  brought, 

Thy  Husband's  crofs  thy  crown. 

'Tis  by  his  fliock  thy  fceptre  fways, 

His  warfare  ends  thy  ftrife  ; 
His  poverty  thy  wealth  conveys, 

Thy  Husband's  death  thy  life. 

Do  mortal  damps  invade  thy  heart, 

And  deadneis  ieize  thee  Core  I 
Rejoice  in  this,   that  life  t' impart 

Thy  Husband  has  in  ftore. 

And  when  new  life  imparted  feems 

Eftablifh'd  as  a  rock, 
Boaft  in  the  fountain,  not  the  ftreams; 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  ftock. 

The  Itreams  may  take  a  various  turn, 

The  fountain  never  moves : 
Ceafe  then,  o'er  failing  dreams  to  m«urn, 

Thy  Husband  thus  thee  proves. 

That  glad  thou  may ft;    when  drops  are  gone, 

Joy  in  the  ipacious  fee  ; 
When  incomes  fail,  then  (till  upon 

Thy  Husband  keep  thine  eye. 

But  can't  thou  look,  nor  moan  thy  ftrait, 
So  dark's  the  diimal  hour  ? 


Chap.  I.         The  Believer's  Jcinturc.  I  if 

Yet,  as  thou'rt  able,  cry  and  wait 
Thy  Husband's  day  of  pow'r. 

Tell  him  though  fin  prolong  the  term, 

Yet  love  can  fcarce  delay  : 
Thy  want,  his  promife,  all  affirm, 

Thy  Husband  muft  not  flay. 

SECT.     VIII. 

Christ  the  Believer's  enriching  Treafure* 

KIND  Jefus  lives  thy  life  to  be 

Who  mak'ft  him  thy  refuge ; 
And,  when  he  comes,  thou'lt  joy  to  fee 

Thy  Husband  mail  be  judge. 

Should  paffing  troubles  thee  annoy, 

Without,  within,  or  both  ? 
Since  endlefs  life  tbou'It  then  enjoy, 

Thy  Husband  pledg'd  his  truth. 

What  won't  he,  even  in  time,  impart, 

That's  for  thy  real  good  \ 
He  gave  his  love,  he  gave  his  heart, 

Thy  Kufband  gave  his  blood. 

He  gives  himfelf,  and  what  mould  more? 

VVhat  can  he  then  refute 
If  this  won't  pleafe  thee,  ah  ?   how  fore 

Thy  Husband  doft  abufe  ? 

Earth's  fruit,  heav'n's  dew  he  won't  deny, 

Whofe  eyes  thy  need  behold  : 
Nought  under  or  above  the  fky 

Thy  Husband  will  withhold. 

Doft  loffcs  grieve  ?  Since  all  is  thine, 
What  lofs  can  thee  befal? 


120  Gospel    Sonnets,         Part  II. 

All  things  for  good  to  thee  combine  % 
Thy  Husband  orders  ail. 

Thour't  not  put  off  with  barren  leaves, 

Or  dung  of  earthly  pelf; 
More  wealth  than  heaven  and  earth  he  gives. 

Thy  Husband's  thine  him  1  elf. 

Thou  haft  enough  to  (lay  thy  plaint 

Elfe  thou  complain'ft^of  eafe  ; 
For,  having  all,  don't  fpeak  of  want, 

Thy  Husband  may  fuffice. 

From  this  thy  (lore,  believing,  take 

Wealth  to  the  utmoft  pitch  : 
The  gold  of  Ophir  cannot  make, 

Thy  Husband  makes  thee  rich. 

Some  flying  gains  acquire  by  pain?, 

And  fome  by  plunu'ring  toil; 
Such  treafure  fades,  but  thine  remains, 

Thy  Husband's  cannot  fpoil. 

SECT.     IX. 

Chuist  the  Believer's  adorning  Garmenr  • 

YEA,  thou  exceU'ft  in  rich  attire 

The  lamp  that  lights  the  globe; 
Thy  fparkligg  garment  b'eav'ns  admire, 

Thy  Kufoand  is  thv  robe. 

This  raiment  never  waxes  old, 

?Tis  always  new  ar,d  clean  ; 
From  fummer-hear,  and  winter- co!d« 

Thy  Huiband  can  thee  fcreen. 

All  who  the  name  of  worthies  bore,  * 
Since  Adam  wa3  irodreit, 

Rom-  vui.  2ir 


Chap.    I.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  in 

No  worth  acquir'd,  but»as  thei 
Thy  Hufbancrs  purple  veir. 

This  linen  fine  can  beautify 

The  foul  with  fin  beo-h-t  : 
0  blefs  his  name  that  e'er  oil  "die  ! 

Thy  Huiband  fpread  his  Drift. 

Are  dunghills  deck'd  with  flow'ry  gtbj 

Which  Solomon's  outvie  ? 
Sure  thine  is  infinitely  more, 

Thy  Husband  decks  the  fky. 

Thy  ha  i;ds  con  Id  never  work  the  drei'V, 

By  grace  alone  thou'rt  cray  ; 
Grace  vents  and  reigns  thro'  righjepufnefsj 

Thy  Husband's  bright  array. 

To  fpin  thy  robe  no  more  clod  need 

Than  liiies  toil  for  theirs ; 
Out  of  his  bowels  ev'ry  thread 

Thy  Husband  thine  prepares, 

SECT.     X. 

Christ  the  Believer's  fweet  Nboriftintient 

THY  lood,  conform  to  thine  array. 

is  heav  uly  and  divine  ; 
On  paftures  green,  where  angds  play, 

Thy  Husband  feeds  dice  fine 

Angelrc  food  may  make  thee  fair, 

And  look  with  chearful  face  ; 
Tlie  bread  of  life,    the  double  Qiare, 

Thv  Hu -band's  love  and  grace. 

What  can  he  give  or  thou  defire, 

More  than  hi.>  flefc  and  blood 

F 


r 


122  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II. 

Let  angels  wonder,  faints  admire, 
Thy  Husband  is  thy  food. 

His  flefh  the  incarnation  bears 

From  whence  thy  feeding  flows; 
His  blood  the  fatisfaetion  clears  ; 

Thy  Husband  both  bellows. 

Th'  incarnate  God  a  facrifice 

To  turn  the  wrathful  tide, 
Is  food  for  faith  ;  that  may  fuffice 

Thy  Husband's  guilty  bride. 

This  ftrength'ning  food  may  fit  and  fence 

For  work  and  war  to  come  ; 
Till  thro'  the  croud,  forne  moments  hence, 

Thy  Husband  bring  thee  home. 

Where  plenteous  feafting  will  fucceed 

To  fcanty  feeding  here  : 
And  joyful  at  the  table-head, 

Thy  Husband  fair  appear. 

The  crumbs  to  banquets  will  give  place, 

And  drops  to  rivers  new  : 
While  heart  and  eye  will  face  to  face 

Thy  Husband  ever  view. 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure*  123 

CHAP.     II. 

Containing  the  Marks  and  Charac- 
ters of  the  Believer  in  Christ  ;  to- 
gether with  fome  farther  privileges 
and  grounds  of  comfort  to  the  Saints. 

SECT.     I. 

Doubting  Believers  called  to  examine,  by  marks  drawn 
from  their  love  to  him  and  his  prefence,  their  view  of 
his  glorv,  and  their  being  emptied  of  felf-righteoufnefs, 

GOOD  news!  but,  fays  the  drooping  bride, 
Ah  !  what's  all  this  to  me  ? 
Thou  doubt'ft  thy  right  when  (hadows  hide 
Thy  Husband's  face  from  thee. 

Through  fin  and  guilt  thy  fpirit  faints, 

And  trembling  fears  thy  fate  ; 
But  harbour  not  thy  sroundlefs  plaints, 

Thy  Husband's  advent  wait. 

Thou  fob'ft,  iC  O  were  I  fure  he's  mine, 

This  would  give  glad'ning  eafe  \% 
And  iay'ft,  tho'  wants  and  woes  combine, 

Thy  Husband  would  thee  pleafe. 

But  up  and  down,  and  feldom  clear, 

Inclos'd  with  helli(h  routs ; 
Yet  yield  thou  not,  nor  fofter  fear  : 

Thy  Husband  hates  thy  doubts. 

Thy  cries  and  tears  may  flighted  feem, 
And  barr'd  from  prefent  eafe; 


124  Gospei.  Sonnets.  Part  IL 

Yet  blame  thyfelf,  but  never  dream 
Thy  Husband's  ill  to  pleafe. 

Thy  jealous  unbelieving  heart 

Still  droops,  and  knows  not  why; 
•Then  prove  thyfelf  to  cafe  thy  fmart, 

Thy  Husband  bids  thee  try. 

The  foil' wing  queftions  put  to  thee, 

A-.  fcriprure-mark?,   may  tell 
And  ihew  whate*er  thy  failings  be, 

Thy  Husband  loyes  thee  well. 

M  ARKS. 

A  RT  thou  content  when  he's  away  ? 

Can  earth  allay  thy  pants? 
If  confcience  wjtne/s,  won't  it  fay, 

Thy  Husband's  all  thou  wants  ? 

,When  he  is  near,  (though  in  a  cro£s), 

And  thee  with  comfort  feed  ; 
Dofl  thou  not  count  the  earth  as  drofs, 
Thy  Husband  all  thou  needs  ? 

In  duties  art  thou  pleas'd  or  pain'd, 

When  far  he';;  out  of  view  ? 
And  finding  him,  think'tt  all  regain'd, 

Thy  Husband  always  new. 

Tho'  once  thou  thought  ft,  while  Sinai  mi 

And  darknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
x  boil  waft  undone  ;  and  glorious  Cbrift 

Thy  Husband  ne'er  would  b~. 

Yet  know 'ft  thou  not  a  fairer  place, 

Of  which  it  may  be  told, 
That  tbe^e  the  glory  of  his  grace, 

Thy  Husband  did  unfcld  ? 


Chap  II.  The  Bclkvjr's  Jointure.  I2£ 

Where  heav'nly  beams  iuflam'd  thy  foul, 

And  love's  feraphic  art, 
With  hallelujahs  did  extol 

Thy  Husband  in  thy  heart. 

Gouldft  then  have  wifh'd  all  Adam's  race 

Had  join'd  with  thee  to  gaze  ; 
That  viewing  fond  his  comely  face, 

Thy  Husband  might  get  praife  ? 

Art  thou  disjoined  from  other  lords  ? 

Divorc'd  from  fed'ral  laws  ? 
While  with  mod  loving  gofpel  cords 

Thy  Husband  kindly  draws  I 

A'n't  thou  enlighten'd  now  to  fee 

Thy  righteoufnefs  is  naught 
But  rags*,  that  cannot  cover  thee? 

Thy  Husband  fo  has  taught. 

Doft  fee  thy  bed  performances 

Deferve  but  hell  indeed  ? 
And  hence  are  led,  renouncing  thefe  I 

Thy  Husband's  blood  to  plead  \ 

When  ftrengthen'd  boldly  to  addrefs 

That  gracious  throne  of  his, 
Dofl  find  thy  ftrength  and  riglueoufnefs, 

Thy  Husband  only  is? 

Canft  thou  thy  mnft  exalted  frame 

Renounce,  as  with'ring  grafs, 
And  firmly  hold  thine  only  claim, 

Thy  Husband's  worthinefs. 

Canft  pray  with  utmoft  holy  f  pith, 

And  yet  renounce  thy  good  ? 
And  waft,  not  with  thy  tears,  but  with 

Thy  Husband's  precious  blood  .? 

*  Ifa.  hdv.  6*  4-  Vigour  or  {trer.gtii. 


1 2b  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  II, 


SECT.     II. 


Believers  defcribed  from  their  Faith  acting  by  divine  aidj 
and  fieeir.g  quite  out  of  themfelves  to  Christ. 

C  A  N  nothing  lefs  thy  confcience  eafe; 

And  pleafe  thy  heart  ;  no  lefs 
Than  that  which  jnftice  fatbfies, 

Thy  Husband's  righteoufnefs  ? 

Doft  fee  thy  works  fo  ftain'd  with  fin, 
That  thou  through  grace  art  mov'd 

To  feek  acceptance  only  in 
Thy  Husband,  the  Belov'd  ? 

Doft  thou  remind,,  that  once  a  day 

Free  grace  did  ftrengthen  thee, 
To  gift  thy  guilty  foul  away, 

Thy  Husband's  bride  to  be? 

Or  doft  thou  mind  the  day  of  powV, 

Wherein  he  broke  thy  pride, 
And  gain'd  thy  heart?   O  happy  hour 

Thy  Husband  caught  the  bride  ! 

He  did  thy  enmity  fubdue, 

Thy  bondage  fad  rec^], 
Made  thee  to  cboofe  and  clofe  purfue 

Thy  Husband  as  thy  all. 

V/hat  reft,  and  peace,  and  joy  enfu'd, 

Upon  this  noble  choice  ? 
Thy  heart,  with  flow'rs  of  pleafures  ftrew\ 

Thy  Husband  made  rejoice. 

.' . 

Dofl;  know  thou.  ne9er  couldfl  him  pmbfacei 

Till  he  embraced  thee  ? 
Nor  ever  fee  htm/ till  his  face 

Thy.  Knsband  opened  free  ? 


Chap.  II.  7kg  Believer's  Jointure.  127 

And  findeft  to  this  very  hour, 

That  this  is  It  ill  the  charm  ; 
Thou  canft  do  nothing,  till  with  pow'r 

Thy  Husband  fhew  his  arm  ? 

Canft  thou  do  nought  by  nature,  art, 

Or  any  ftrength  of  thine, 
Ufitil  thy  wicked  froward  heart 
.   Thy  Husband  (hall  incline. 

But  art  thou,  though  without  a  wing 

Of  pow'r  aloft  to  flee, 
Yet  able  to  do  ev'ry  thing, 

Thy  Husband  ftrength' ning  thee 

Deft  not  alone  at  duties  fork*, 

Bur  foreign  aid  enjoy  ? 
And  ftill  in  ev'ry  piece  of  work 

Thy  Husband's  ftrength  employ 

Thy  motion  heav'nly  is  indeed, 

While  thou  by  faith  doil  move  ; 
And  ftill  in  ev'vy  time  of  need 

Thy  Husband's  grace  improve. 

No  common  nat'ral  faith  can  (hew 

Its  divine  brood  like  this; 
Whofe  object,  author,  feeder  tc 

Thy  Husband  only  is. 

Doft  thou  by  faith  on  him  rely  ? 

On  him,   not  on  thy  faith  ? 
If  faith  (hall  with  its  object  vie, 

Thy  Husband's  let  beneath. 

Their  hands  receiving;  faculty. 

Poor  beggars  never  view  ; 
But  hold  the  royal  gift  in  eye ; 

Thy  Husband  fo  wilt  thou. 

♦Labour,  wrcftle,  or  toil, 


128  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II. 

Faith,  like  a  gazing  eye  ne'er  waits 

To  boaft  its  feeing  pow'rs; 
Its  object  views,  itfelf  forgets ; 

Thy  Husband  it  adores. 

It  humbly  ftill  itfelf  denies, 

Nor  brags  its  adls  at  all ; 
Deep  plung'd  into  its  object  lies, 

Thy  Husband  is  its  all. 

No  ftrength  but  his  it  has,  and  vaunts, 

No  ftore  but  his  can  fhow  : 
Hence  nothing  has,  yet  nothing  wants, 

Thy  Husband  trains  it  fo. 

Faith,  of  its  own,  no  might  can  fhew, 

Elfe  would  itfelf  deftroy  ; 
But  will  for  all  it  has  to  do} 

Thy  Husband  ftill  employ. 

Self-faviours  none  could  ever  be 

By  faith  or  grace  of  theirs : 
Their  fruitlefs  toil,  fo  high  that  flee^ 

Thy  Husband's  praile  impairs. 

The  feemingly  devouteft  deed, 

That  would  with  fhamelefs  brow 
His  faving  trade  take  o'er  his  head. 

Thy  Husband  won't  allow. 

Doft  therefore  thou  to  him  alone 

Commit  thy  finful  foul  ? 
Knowing  of  thy  lalvation 

Thy  Husband  is  the  whole  ? 


Chap.  II.  The  Believers  Jointure.  129 

S  E  C  T.     III. 

Believers  characterifed  by  the  objefts  and  purity  of  their 
defire,  delight,  joy,  hatred,  and  love,  difcovering 
they  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 

DOST  thou  his  Spirit's  conduct  wait  ? 

And,  when  compar'd  to  this, 
All  worldly  wifdom  under-rate  ? 

Thy  Husband  waits  to  blefs. 

Tak'ft  thou  his  Spirir  for  thy  guide, 

Through  Baca's  vaUey  dry, 
Whofe  ftreams  of  influences  glide 

Thy  Husband's  garden  by  ? 

In  discing  wells  here  by  his  powV, 

D'.'ft  find  it  not  in  vain, 
While  here  a  drop,  and  there  a  fhow'r 

Thy  Husband  makes  to  rain  \ 

Hence  doft  thou  through  each  weary  cafe, 

From  ftrength  to  ftrength  go  on, 
From  faith  tu  faith,  while  grace  for  grace; 

Thy  Husband  gives  anon  ? 

The  good,  the  gracious  work  begun, 

And  further 'd  by  Ivs  ftrength, 
Shall  profp'rous,  though  with  wrcftiing,  win 

Thy  Husband's  crown  at  length. 

Sin's  pow'r  and  prefence  canft  thou  own 

Is  thy  molt  grievous  fmartj 
That  makes  thee  fob,  and  weep  alone  \ 

Thy  Husband  knows  thy  heart. 

Does  love  to  him  make  thee  diftafte 

Thy  lnfts  with  all  their  charms  \ 
And  moft  them  loath'ft,  when  nv;ft  tbou  haft 

Thy  Husband  in  thine  arms? 


130  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  II. 

Are  cords  of  love  the  fweeteft  ties 

To  bind  thee  duty-ways  ? 
And  beft  thou  ferv'ft  when  moft  thou  fpies 

Thy  Husband's  beauteous  rays  ? 

Didft  ever  theu  thy  pardon  read 

In  tears  of  untold  joy  ? 
When  mercy  made  thy  heart  to  bleed. 

Thy  Husband  was  not  coy. 

Do  pardons  fweetly  melt  thy  heart  ? 

And  moft  imbitter  fin  ? 
And  make  thee  long  with  drofs  to  part. 

Thy  Husband's  throne  to  win  ? 

When  he  arifes  luft  to  kill, 

Corruptions  to  deftroy, 
Does  gladnefs  then  thy  fpirit  fill  ? 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  joy, 

Doft  thou  his  perfon  fair  embrace 

Beyond  his  bleffings  all? 
Sure,   then,  thou  boldly  mayft  through  grace 

Thy  Husband  Jesus  call. 

What  company  doft  thou  prefer  ? 

What  friends  above  the  reft  ? 
Of  all  relations  every  where, 

Thy  Husband  is  the  beft. 

Whom  in  the  earth  or  heav'n  doft  thou 

Moft  ardently  defire  f 
Is  love's  afcending  fpark  unto 

Thy  Husband  let  on  fire  I 

Haft  thou  a  hatred  to  his  foes, 

And  doft  their  courfe  decline  ? 
Lov'ft  thou  his  faints,  and  dar'ft  fuppofe 

Thy  Husband's  friends  are  thine? 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  131 

Doft  thou  their  talk  and  walk  efteem, 

When  mod  divinely  grave  i 
And  favour'ft  beft  when  moft  they  feem 

Thy  Husband's  Sp'rit  to  have  i 

SECT.     IV. 

Believers  in  Christ  affect  his  counfel,  word,  ordinances, 
appearance,  full  enjoyment  in  heaven,  and  fw«et  pre- 
fence  here. 

W H  ERE  go'ft  thou  firft  when  in  a  ftrair, 

Or  when  with  grief  oppreft? 
Fleeft  thou  to  him  ?  O  happy  gate  I 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  reft. 

His  counfel  feek'ft  thou  ftill  prepar'd. 

Nor  canft  without  him  live  ? 
Wifdom  to  guide,  and  ftrength  to  guard, 

Thy  Husband  hath  to  give. 

Canft  thou  produce  no  pleafant  pawn> 

Or  token  of  his  love  ? 
Won't  fignets,  bracelets,  from  his  hand, 

Thy  Husband's  kindnefs  prove  ? 

Mind'ft  when  he  fent  his  healing  word, 

Which  darting  from  on  high, 
Did  light,  and  life,  and  joy  afford  ? 

Thy  Husband  then  was  nigh. 

Canft  thou  the  promife  fweet  forget, 

He  drop'd  into  thy  heart  ? 
Such  glad'ning  pow'r,  and  love  with  it, 

Thy  Husband  did  impart. 

Doft  thou  affect  his  dwelling-place, 
And  mak'ft  it  thy  repair  ; 


122  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  II. 

Becaufe  thine  eyes  have  feen,  through  grace, 
Thy  Husband's  glory  there  ? 

Doll  love  his  great  appearing  day, 

And  thereon  mu<e  with  joy  ; 
When  duiky  fhades  will  fly. away, 

Thy  Husband  death  dtftroy  ? 

Doft  long  to  lee  his  glorious  face 

Within  the  higher  orb, 
Where  humid  for  rows  lofing  plice, 

Thy  Husband's  rays  abforb  ? 

Long'fi  to  be  free  of  ev'ry  fauk, 

To  bid  all  fin  adieu  ? 
And  mount  the  hill,  where  ghd  thou  (halt 

Thy  Husband's  glory  view  ? 

Life  where  it  lives,  love  where  it  loves, 

Will  moft  defire  to  be  : 
Such  love-fick  longing  plainly  proves 

Thj  Husband's  love  to  thee. 

What  is  it  beft  can  eafe  thy  plaint, 

Spread  morning  o'er  thine  ev'n  ? 
Is  his  approach  thy  heart's  content, 

Thy  Husband's  prefence  heav'n ll 

And  when  deny'd  this  fweet  relief, 

Canit  thou  afTert  full  well, 
His  hiding  is  thy  greateft  grief, 

Thy  Hu.- band's  abfcnce  hell  ? 

Let  thy  experience  be  difclos'd  j 

If  conference  anfwer  Yea 
To  all  the  queries  have  propos'd, 

Thy  Husband's  thine  for  ay. 

Pertain  thefe  characters  to  thee  -? 
Then,  foul,  begin  and  praife 


Cha«.  IT.  9*J  Believes  Jointurt.  I33 

His  <p  lor  ions  worthy  name,  for  he 
Thy  Husband  15  always. 

u    l      1.         v  • 

~he  true  believer's  humility,  dependence,  zz?l\7  gvov.t'i. 
admiration  of  free'  grace,  and  knowledge  of  Christ's 
voice. 

PERHAPS  a  faint  may  figh  and  fevj 

"  I  fear  I'm  yet  to  learn 
<;  Thefe  marks  of  marriage  love."     Yet  (car, 

Thy  Husband's  bowels  yearn. 

Though  darknefs  may  the  light  ob!pure; 

And  ftonns  fur  mount  thy  calms, 
Day  yield  to  night,  and  thou  be  poor. 

Thy  Husband  yet  has  alns. 

Dnft  fee  thyfelf  an  empty  brat, 

A  poor  unworthy  thing, 
With  heart  upon  the  duft  hid  flit f. 

Thy  Hufband"  there  does  reign. 

Art  in  thine  owr.  elieem  a  beutt, 

And  doll  thyfelf  abhor  ? 
The  more  thou  haft  of  felf-diMafte, 

Thy  Hnfband  loves  thee  more. 

Can  bell  breed  no  fuch  wickec?  elf, 

As  thou  in  thine  own  Ho-ht  ? 
Thou'lt  got,  to  fee  thy  filthy  (err. 

Thy  Hufband's  pureit  light. 

C  :nft  find  no  names  fo  black,  fo  vile, 
With  which  thou  would'ft  compare, 

But  cali'fl  thyfelf  a  lump  of  hell  ? 
Thy  Hufband  calls  thee  fair. 


134  Gospel    Sounets,         Part  II. 

When  his  kind  vifits  makes  thee  fee 

He's  precious,  thou  art  vile, 
Then  mark  the  hand  of  God  with  thee, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  a  fmile. 

He  knows  what  vifits  fuit  thy  ftate, 

And  though  moll  rare  they  be, 
It  fets  thee  well  on  him  to  wait, 

Thy  Hufband  waits  on  thee. 

Doft  fee  thou  art  both  poor  and  weak, 

And  he  both  full  and  ftrong  ? 
O  dorr'c  his  kind  delays  miftake, 

Thy  Hufband  comes  ere  long. 

Though  during  Sinai's  ftormy  day, 

Thou  drcad'ft  the  difmal  blaft, 
And  fears  thou  art  a  caff-away, 

Thy  Kuiband  comes  at  laft. 

The  glorious  Sun  will  rife  apace, 

And  fpread  his  healing  wings, 
In  fparkling  pomp  of  fov'reign  grace, 

Thy  Hufband  gladnefs  brings. 

Canft  thou,  whatever  fhoultf  come  of  thee,, 

Yet  wifh  his  Zion  well, 
And  joy  in  her  profperity  ? 

Thy  Husband  loves  thy  zeal. 

Doft  thou  admire  his  love  to  fome, 

Though  thou  fhouldft  never  (hare  : 
Mercy  te  thee  will  alio  come, 

Thy  Husband  hath  to  fpare. 

Poor  foul  I  doft  grieve  for  want  of  grace, 

And  weep  for  want  of  love, 
And  Jefus  feek'ft  !  O  hopeful  cafe  ! 

Thy  Husband  lives  above* 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure*  l$f 

Regretting  much  thy  falling  (hort, 

Doft  after  more  afpife  I 
There's  hope  in  Ifra'l  for  thy  fort, 

Thy  Husband's  thy  defire. 

Art  thou  well  pleas'd  that  fov'reign  grace, 

Through  Chrift,  exalted  be  ? 
This  frame  denotes  no  hopelefs  cafe. 

Thy  Husband's  pleas'd  with  thee. 

Couldft  love  to  be  the  footftool  low, 

On  which  his  throne  might  rife, 
Its  pompous  grace  around  to  {how  ? 

Thy  Husband  does  thee  prize. 

If  but  a  glance  of  his  fair  face 

Can  cheer  thee  more  than  wine  ; 
Thou  in  his  loving  heart  haft  place, 

Thy  Husband  place  in  thine. 

Doft  make  his  blood  thy  daily  bath  ? 

His  word  and  oath  thy  ft  ay  ? 
His  law  of  love  thy  lightfome  path  I 

Thy  Husband  is  thy  way. 

All  things  within  earth's  fpacious  womb 

Doft  count  but  lofs  and  dung, 
For  one  fweet  word  in  feafon  from 

Thy  Husband's  learned  tongue  I 

Skill  to  difcern  and  know  his  voice, 

From  words  a{  wit  and  art 
Will  clearly  prove  thou  art  his  choice, 

Thy  Husband  thine  in  heart. 

The  pompous  words  that  fops  admire, 

May  vagrant  fancy  feaft  ; 
But  with  leraphic  harmlefs  fire 

Thy  Husband'*  burn  the  breaft 


136  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  IL 

SECT.     VI. 

True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and  examined. 
Comforts  arifing  to  them  from  Christ' s  ready  fupplv, 
real  fympatky,  and  relieving  names,  failing  their  needs. 

DOST  thou  upon  thy  trait'rous heart 

Still  keep  a  jealous  eye  ? 
Moft  willing  that  thine  inward  part 

Thy  Husband  ftrictly  try. 

The  thieving  croud  will  hate  the  light, 

Left  ftol'n  effects  be  fhown  ; 
But  truth  defires  what's  wrong  or  right 

Thy  Husband  would  make  known. 

Doft  then  his  trying  word  await, 

His  fearching  doctrine  love? 
Fond,  left  thou  err  through  felf  deceit, 

Thy  Husband  would  thee  prove  ? 

Does  oft  thy  mind  with  inward  fmare 

Bewail  thy  unbelief? 
And  confcious  fue  from  plagues  of  heart 

Thy  Husband  for  relief? 

Why  doubt'ft  his  love  ?  and  yet,  behold, 

With  him  thou  would'ft  not  part 
For  thoufand  thouland  earths  of  gold  ; 

Thy  Husband  has  thy  heart. 

Though  darknefs,  deadnefs,  unbelief, 

May  ail  thy  foul  attend  ; 
Light,  life,  and  faith's  mature  relief, 

Thy  Husband  has  to  fend. 

Of  wants  annoying,  why  complain  ; 
Supply  arifes  hence  •> 


Chap.   II.  The  Believer's  Jointure,  1^.7 

What  gifts  he  has  receiv'd  for  men  * ? 
Thy  Husband  will  difpenfe. 

He  got  them  in's  exalted  (late. 

For  rebels  fuch  as  thou; 
All  then  that's  needful  good,  or  great. 

Thy  Husband  will  allow. 

Thy  wants  lie  fees,  thy  cries  he  hears  j 

And,  marking  all  thy  moans, 
He  in  his  bottle  keeps  thy  tears, 

Thy  Husband  notes  thy  groans. 

All  thine  infirmities  him  touch, 

They  ftrike  his  feeling  heart  I 
His  kindly  fympathy  is  iuch, 

Thy  Husband  finds  the  fmart„ 

Whatever  touches  thee  affe&s 

The  apple  of  his  eye ; 
Whatever  harms  he  therefore  checks. 

Thy  Husband's  aid  is  nigh. 

If  foes  are  fpar'd,  thy  need  is  fuch, 

He  flays  them  but  in  part : 
He  can  do  all,  and  will  do  much, 

Thy  Hufband  adts  by  art. 

He  often  for  the  faddeft  hour  '    ' 

Referves  the  fweeteft  aid  ; 
See  how  fuch  banners  heretofore 

Thy  Husband  has  difplay'd. 

Mind  where  he  vouched  his  good-will. 

Sometimes  at  Hermon  f  mount, 
In  Jordan  land,  at  Mizar  hill ; 

Thy  Husband  keeps  the  count. 

At  fundrjr  times  and  divers  ways, 
To  fuit  thy  various  frames, 

*  PfaL  fkviil  18.  f  Pftt  xlii.  6. 


138  Gospel    Sonnets.         Tart  II. 

Haft  fern,  like  rifing  golden  ray?, 
Thy  Husband's  various  names. 

Whcnguihy  conference  gbaftly  ftar'd, 

Jehovah-tsidkenu*, 
The  Lord  thy  righteoufnef?  appear'd, 

Thy  Husband  in  thy  view. 

When  in  thy  (traits  or  wants  extreme, 

Help  fail'd  on  ev'ry  fide, 
Jehovah- jiREHf  wa8  his  nam«> 

Thy  Husband  did  provide. 

When  thy  long  abfent  Lord  didft  moan, 

And  to  his  courts  repair ; 
Then  was  Jehovah-shammah  J  known, 

Thy  Husband  prefent  there. 

When  thy  aflaul tin?  foes  appeared 

In  robes  of  terror  clad, 
Jehovah-nissi  II  then  was  rear'd, 

Thy  Husband's  banner  fpread. 

When  furies  arnVd  with  fright'ning  gu*!t, 

Dunn'd  war  without  furceafe  : 
Jehovah-shalomJ  then  was  farr/d, 

Thy  Husband  lent  thee  peace. 

When  thy  difeafes  death  proclaim'd, 

And  creature-balfams  fail'd, 
Jehov  a  h  ■  r  o  p  h  i  H  then  was  built  s 

Thy  Husband  kindly  heal'd. 

T!)us,  as  thy  various  needs  require, 

in  various  modes  like  thefe, 
The  help  that  fuits  thy  heart's  defire, 

Thy  Husband's  name  conveys. 

*  Jer.  sxiil  6.         f  Gen.  xxli.  14.         J  Ezek.  xlviii.  35. 
jExcd.  xvii.  15.     §  Judg.  vi.  24.  ^  Exod.  xv.  26. 


Chap.  II.  Tie  Believer's  Jointure.  139 

To  th*  little  flock,  as  cafes  vary, 

The  great  Jehovah  (hews 
Himfelf  a  little  (ancillary  *, 

Thy  Husband  gives  the  views. 

SECT.     Vlf. 

The  believer's  experience  of  Christ's  comfortable  pre* 
fence,  or  of  former  comforts  to  be  improved  for  his  en» 
couragement  and  fupport  under  darknefs  and  hidings. 

DOST  mind  the  place,  the  fpot  of  land, 

Where  Jefus  did  thee  meet  \ 
And  how  he  got  thy  heart  and  hand  \ 

Thy  Husband  then  was  fweet. 

Doft  mind  the  garden,  chamber,  bank, 

A  vale  of  vifion  feem'd  ? 
The  joy  was  full,  thy  heart  was  frank, 

Thy  Husband  much  efteem'd. 

Let  thy  experience  fweet  declare, 

If  able  to  remind  : 
A  Bochim  here,  a  Bethel  there, 

Thy  Husband  made  thee  find. 

Was  fuch  a  corner,  fuch  a  place, 

A  paradife  to  thee, 
A  Peniel,  where  face  to  face 

Thy  Husband  fair  didft  fee  ? 

There  did  he  clear  thy  cloudy  caufe, 

Thy  doubts  and  fears  deftxoy  ; 
And  on  thy  fpirit  feal'd  he  was 

Thy  Husband  with  great  joy  ? 

Couldft  thou  have  faid  it  boldly  then, 
And  feal'd  it  with  thy  blood  ? 

*  Ezek.  xi.  16. 


14©  GosPEt  SoNNtfi.         JPart 

Yea,  welcome  death  with  pleafure,  when 
Thy  Hu.band  by  thee  flood  ? 

That  earth  again  fhould  thee  infnare, 

O  how  thy  heart  was  pain'd  ! 
For  all  its  fading  glory  there 

Thy  Husband's  beauty  ftain'd. 

The  thoughts  ©Hiving  more  in  fin. 

Were  then  like  hell  to  thee; 
The  life  of heav'n  did  thus  begin, 

Thy  Huiband  let  thee  free. 

Whate'er  thou  foundft  him  at  thy  be  ft, 

He's  at  thy  worfl  the  fame  ; 
And  in  his  love  will  ever  reft, 

Thy  Hufl>and  holds  his  claim. 

Let  faith  thefe  vifits  keep  in  ftore, 

Though  fenfe  the  pleaihre  mils; 
The  God  of  Bethel,  as  before, 

Thy  Husband  always  is. 

In  meas'ring  his  approaches  kind, 

And  timing  his  defcents ; 
In  free  and  fov'reign  ways  thou'lt  find 

Thy  Hufband  thee  prevents. 

pre fcribe  not  to  him  in  thy  heart, 

He's  infinitely  wife. 
Ji'jw  oft  he  throws  his  loving  dart, 

Thy  Husband  does  fui  prife. 

perhaps  a-fudden  gale  thee  bleft, 

While  walking  in  thy  road, 
Or  on  a  journey,  e'er  thou  wift, 

Thy  Huiband  look'd  thee  broad. 

Thus  was  the  eunuch  fam'd  (his  ft*»ge 
A  riding  on  the  way, 


Ch3p.  II.  The  Bilhvct%s  Jointure*  l^x 

As  he  revolv'd  the  facred  page  *) 
Thy  HufbancTs  happy  prey. 

In  hearing,  reading,  linging,  pray'r, 

When  darknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
Thou  foundft,  or  e'er  thou  wall  aware, 

Thy  Huiband'slight'ning  free. 

Of  heav'nly  gales  don't  meanly  think  : 

For,  though  thy  foul  complains, 
They're  but  a  fhort  and  palling  blink  j 

Thy  Husband's  love  remains. 

Think  not,  though  breezes  hafte  away. 

Thou  doft  his  favour  lole  ; 
But  learn  to  know  his  fov'reign  way. 

Thy  Husband  comes  and  goes. 

Don't  fay  he's  gone  for  ever,  though 

His  vifitt  he  adjourn  ; 
For  yet  a  little  while,  and  Jo, 

Thy  Husband  will  return. 

In  worfhip  focial,  or  retir'd, 

Doft  thou  his  abience  wail  .* 
Wait  at  his  (bore,  and  be  not  fear'd, 

Thy  Husband's  (hip's  a-fail. 

Yea,   though  in  duties  lenfe  may  mil 

Thy  foul's  beloved  One  \ 
Yet  do  nut  faint,   for  never  is 

Thy  Husband  wholly  gone. 

Though  Satan,  fin,  earth,  hell  at  once, 

Would  thee  of  joy  bereave  : 
Mind  what  he  laid,  he  won't  renounce. 

Thy  Husband  will  not  leave. 

Though  foes  a  flail,  and  friendihip  fai!P 

Thcu  haft  a  friend  at  court : 

*  Acts  via.  27 — 39. 
G  a 


142  Gospel    Sonnets,         Part  II* 

The  gates  of  bell  (hall  ne'er  prevail, 
Tiiy  Husband  is  thy  fort, 

SECT.     VIIL 

Comfort  to  believers  from  the  ftability  of  the  promife, 
notwithstanding  heavy  chaftifements  for  fin. 

TAKE  well  howe'er  kind  wifdom  may 

Difpofe  thy  pre  fen  t  lot ; 
Tbo*  heav'n  and  earth  fhonld  pafs  away, 

Thy  Husband's  love  will  not. 

All  needful  help  he  will  afford, 

Thou  haft  his  vow  and  oath  ; 
And  once  to  violate  his  word 

Thy  Husband  will  be  loth. 

To  fire  and  floods  with  thee  he'll  down, 

His  promile  this  infures, 
Wbofe  credit  cannot  burn  nor  drown  : 

Thy  Husband's  truth  endures. 

Dofl:  thou  no  more  his  word  believe, 

As  mortal  man's  forfooth  ? 
Odo  not  thus  his  Spirit  grieve, 

Thy  Husband  is  the  Truth. 

Though  thou  both  wicked  art  and  weal:, 

His  word  he'll  never  rue  ; 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  (hould  blend  atid  break, 

Thy  Husband  will  be  true. 

I'll  never  leave  thee*,  is  his  vow  ; 

If  Truth  has  laid  the  word. 
While  Truth  is  truth,  this  word  istrue^ 

Thy  Husband  is  the  Lord. 

*  Heb.  xiii.  5c 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Jointure.  143 

Thy  covenant  of  duties  may 

Prove  daily  moft  unfure  : 
His  covenant  of  grace  for  ay 

Thy  Husband  does  fecure. 

Doft  thou  to  him  thy  promife  break, 

And  fear  he  break  to  thee  \ 
Nay,  not  thy  thoufand  crimes  can  make 

Thy  Husband  once  to  lie. 

He  vifit  will  thy  fins  with  ftrokes, 

And  lift  his  heavy  hand  ; 
But  never  once  his  word  revokes, 

Thy  Husband's  truth  will  ftand. 

Then  dream  not  he  is  chang'd  in  love, 

When  thou  art  chang'd  in  frame  ; 
Thou  mayft  by  turns  unnumber'd  move, 

Thy  Husband's  ay  the  fame. 

He  for  thy  follies  may  thee  bind 

With  cords  of  great  diftrefs  ; 
To  make  chee  moan  thy  fins,  and  mind 

Thy  Husband's  holinefs. 

By  wounds  he  makes  thee  feek  his  cure, 

By  frowns  his  favour  prize  ; 
By  falls  affrighting,  (land  more  fure, 

Thy  Husband  is  fo  wife. 

Proud  Peter  in  the  dirt  of  vice 

Fell  down  exceeding  low  ; 
His  tow'ring  pride,  by  tumbling  thrice, 

Thy  Husband  cured  fo. 

Before  he  fuffer  pride  that  fwell*, 

He'll  drag  thee  through  the  mire 
Of  fins,  temptations,  little  hells  ; 

Thy  Husband  faves  by  fire* 


t44  GosPEt  Sonnets.  Part  II. 

He  in  affliction's  mortar  may- 
Squeeze  out  old  Adam's  juice, 

Till  thou  return  to  him,  and  fay^ 
Thy  Hulband  is  thy  choice. 

Fierce  billows  may  thy  veflel  tofs, 

And  crofTes  curies  Teem  ; 
But  that  the  curie  has  fled  the  crofs, 

Thy  Hulband  bids  thee  deem. 

Conclude  not  he  in  wrath  difown?, 

When  trouble  thee  furrounds; 
Thefe  are  his  favourable  frowns, 

Thy  Husband's  healing  wounds. 

Yea,   when  he  gives  the  deeped  laftj, 

Love  leads  the  wounding  hand  : 
His  ftroke,  when  fin  has  got  a  daft, 

Thy  Hulband  will  remand. 

g 

SECT.     IX. 

Comfort  to  believers,  in  Christ's  relations,  iu  his  dy- 
ing love,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  which  he  will  lead 
them  through  death,  and  fupply  with  all  necefTaries  by, 
tke  way. 

BEHOLD  the  patrimony  broad 

That  falls  to  thee  by  line  ; 
In  him  thou  art  an  heir  otGud, 

Thy  Hulband's  Father's  thine. 

He  is  of  relatives  a  (lore, 

Thy  Friend  will  help  in  thrall : 
Thy  Brother  much,  thy  Father  more. 

Thy  Hulband  moft  of  all. 

All  thefe  he  does  amafs  and  Ihare^ 
In  ways  that  moft  excel : 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's   jdntur  j  45 

'Mong  all  the  husbands  ever  were. 
Thy  Hufband  bears  the^bell. 

Whence  run  the  ftreams  of  ail  thy  good, 

But  from  his  pierced  fide ; 
With  liquid  gold  of  precious  blood 

Thy  Hufband  bought  his  bride; 

His  blood  abundant  value  bore, 

To  make  his  purchafe  broad, 
;Twas  fair  divinity  in  gore, 

Tny  Hufband  is  thy  God. 

Who  pnrcha^d  at  the  higheft  price, 

Be  crown'd  with  higheft  oraife; 
For  in  the  higheft  paradife 

Thy  Hufband  wears  the  bays. 

He  is  of  Heav  n  the  comely  rofe, 

His  beauty  makes  it  fair ; 
Heav'n  were  but  hell,  couldft  thou  fuppofa 

Thy  Hufband  were  not  there. 

He  thither  did  in  pomp  afcend, 

His  ipoufe  along  to  bring: 
That  Hallelujahs  without  end, 
/  Thy  Hulband's  bride  may  fing. 

Ev'n  there  wirh  hitp  for  ever  fix'd 
-    His  glory  (halt  thou  fee  ; 
And  nought  but  death  is  now  betwixt 
Thy  Hufband's  thrcne  and  thee. 

:Ie'll  order  death  that  porter  rude, 

To  ope  the  gates  of  brafs; 
For,  lo  !   wnth  characters  of  blood 

Thy  Hufband  wrote  thy  pafs. 

At  Jordan  deep  then  be  not  fcar'd, 
Though  difmal  like  and  broad  3 


1 46  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  II. 

Thy  fun  will  guide,  thy  (hield  will  guard, 
Thy  Husband  pav'd  the  road. 

He'll  lead  thee  fafe,  and  bring  thee  home, 

And  ftill  let  bleffings  fall 
Of  grace  while  here,  till  glory  come  ; 

Thy  Husband's  bound  for  all. 

His  ftore  can  anfwer  ev'ry  bill, 

Thy  food  and  raiment's  bought ; 
Be  at  his  will,  thou'lt  have  thy  fill, 

Thy  Husband  wants  for  nought. 

What  can  thy  foul  conceive  it  lacks  ? 

His  ftore,  his  pow'r  is  thine  ; 
His  lib'ral  heart  to  lib'ral  acts, 

Thy  Husband  does  incline. 

Though  on  thy  hand,  that  has  no  might, 

He  fhould  thy  tafk  enlarge  ; 
Nor  work  nor  warfare  needs  thee  fright, 

Thy  Husband  bears  the  charge. 

Thou  wouldft,  if  left,   thyfelf  undo,. 

So  apt  to  fall  and  ftray ; 
But  he  uplifts  and  leads  thee  too : 

Thy  Hufband  knows  the  way. 


SECT.     X- 

Comfort  to  believers  from  the  text,  Thy  Maker  is  thy 
Husband,  inverted  thus,  Thy  Husband  is  thy  Maker; 
and  the  conclufion  of  this  fubject. 

O  F  light  and  life,  of  grace  and  glore, 

In  Chrift  thow  art  partaker  ; 
Rejoice  in  him  for  evermore, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  M*ke,r. 

He  made  thee,  yea,  made  thee  his  bride, 
Nor  heeds  thine  ugly  patch'  j 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  1 47 

To  what  he  made  he'll  ftill  abide, 
Thy  Hufband  made  the  match. 

He  made  all ;   yea,  he  made  all  thine 

All  to  thee  fhall  be  giv'n. 
Who  can  thy  kingdom  undermine ; 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  heav'n. 

What  earthly  thing  can  thee  annoy  ? 

He  made  the  earth  to  be  ; 
The  waters  cannot  thee  deftroy, 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  fca. 

Don't  fear  the  flaming  element 

Thee  hurt  with  burning  ire; 
Or  that  the  fcorching  heat  torment : 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  fire. 

Infections  fleams  (hall  ne'er  deftroy, 

While  he  is  pleas'd  to  fpare  ; 
Thou  fhalt  thy  vital  breath  enjoy. 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  air. 

The  fun  that  guides  the  golden  day, 

The  moon  that  rules  the  night, 
The  ftarry  frame,  the  milky  way, 

Thy  Hufband  made  for  light. 

The  bird  that  wings  its  airy  path, 

The  fifh  that  cuts  the  flood, 
The  creeping  croud  that  fwarms  beneath 

Thy  Hufband  made  for  good. 

The  grazing  herd,  the  beafh  of  prey, 

The  creatures  great  and  fmall, 
For-thy  behoof  their  tribute  pay, 

Thy  Hufband  made  them  all. 

Thine's  Paul,  Apollos,  life,  and  death, 
Things  prefent,  things  to  be; 


148  Gospel  Sonnstl  Part  IL 

And  ev'ry  thing  that  being  hath, 
Thy  Hufband  made  for  thee. 

In  Tophet  of  the  damn'd's  fefort 

Thy  ^(oul  fhall  never  dwell, 
Nor  neeo\  from  thence  imagine  hurt, 

Thy  Hu\^and  formed  hell. 

Satan,   with  irrftruments  of  his, 

May  rage,  yet  dread  no  evil ; 
So  far  as  he  a  cresiiipe  is, 

Thy  Husband  made  the  devil. 

His  black  temptations  may  afflict, 

His  fiery  darts  annoy  ; 
But  all  his  work?,  and  hellifh  trick, 

Thy  Husband  will  deftroy. 

Let  armies  ftrotfg  of  earthly  gods, 

Combine  with  hellifh  ghoit*, 
Tbey  live,  or  languifh,  at  his  nods; 

Thy  Husband's  Lord  of  hofts. 

What  can  thee  hurt  f  whom  doft  thou  fear  ? 

All  things  are  at  his  call. 
Thy  Maker  is  thy  Husband  dear, 

Thy  Husband  all  in  all. 

What  doft  thou  feek  ?  what  deft  thou  want  ? 

He'll  thy  deilres  fulfil  ? 
He  gave  himfelf,  wkat  won't  he  grant  f 

Thy  Husband's  at  thy  will. 

The  more  thou  doft  of  him  defire, 

The  more  he  loves  to  give : 
High  let  thy  mounting  aims  afpire, 

Thy  Husband  gives  thee  leave. 

The  lefs  thou  feek'ft,  the  lefs  thou  defe 
His  bounty  fet  on  high  ; 


Cfoap.  XI.  Ttd  -r  j  Jointure,  149 

But  higbeft  Jcektis  ^tie  do  moil 
Thy  Husband  glorify. 

Wouldft  thou  have  grace  ?  Wei! ;  but  'tis  meet 

He  mould  more  glory  gain. 
Wouldft  thou  have  F.ither,  Son,  and  Sp'rit  ? 

Thy  Husband  fays,  Amen. 

He'll  kindly  a<9  the  lib?rai  God, 

Divifing  lib'ral  things ; 
With  royal  gifts  hi^  fubjecls  load  ; 

Thy  Husband's  King  of  kings. 

No  earthly  monarchs  have  fuch  (lore 

As  thou  haft  ev'n  in  hand  ; 
Bui,  O  how  infinitely  more 

Thy  Husband  gives  on  band  ? 

Thou  haft  indeed  the  better  part, 

The  part  will  fail  thee  never ; 
Thy  HumandV:  hand,  thy  Husband's  heart, 

Thy  Husband's  all  for  ever, 


Tfc  Enmj  of  the  Pocm   upon  Ifa.  iiv.  5, 


GOSPEL    SONNETS. 


PART     III. 


The    Believer's   Riddle;    or, 
The  Myftery  of  Faith. 

The    PREFACE/ 

Shewing  the  Ufe  and  Defign  of  the  Riddle. 

READER,  the  f bU'wing  enigmatic  fong, 
Does  not  to  wifeft  nat'ralifts  belong : 
Their  wifdom  is^but  folly  on  this  head  ; 
They  here  may  ruminate,  but  cannot  read. 
For  though  they  glance  the  words,  the   meaning 
They  read  the  lines,  but  not  the  paradox,    [chokes, 
The  fubjecl  will,  how  e'er  the  phrafe  be  blunt, 
Their  moft  accute  intelligence  furmount, 
If  with  the  nat'ral  and  acquired  fight 
They  fhare  not  divine  evangelic  light.         [brains, 
Great  wits  may   roufe  their  fancies,  rack  their 
And  after  all  their  labour  lofe  their  pains; 
Their  wifeft  comments  were  but  witlefs  chat. 
Unapt  to  frame  an  explication  pat. 
No  unregen'rate  mortal's  beil  engines 
Can  right  unriddle  thefe  few  nigged  lines; 


Preface. 


The  Believer's  Riddle. 


15* 


Nor  any  proper  notions  thereof  reach, 
Though  fublimated  to  the  higheft  ftretch. 
Matters  of  reafon,  plodding  men  of  fenfe, 
Who  fcorn  to  mortify  their  vain  pretence, 
In  this  myfterious  deep  might  plod  their  fill ; 
It  overtops  ihe  top  of  all  their  (kill. 
The  more  they  vainly  huff,  and  fcorn  to  read, 
The  more  it  does  their  foolifh  wit  exceed. 
Thofe  tinners  that  are  fanclified  in  part, 
May  read  this  riddle  truly  in  their  heart. 
Yea,  weakeft  faints  may  feel  its  trueft  fenfe, 
Both  in  their  fad  and  fweet  experience. 
Don't  overlook  it  with  a  rambling  view, 
And  rafli  fuppofe  it  neither  good  nor  true. 
Let  Heaven's  pure  oracles  the  truth  decide  ; 
Renounce  it,  if  it  can't  that  teft  abide. 
Noble  Bereans  foon  the  fenfe  may  hit, 
Who  found  the  divine  depth  of  facred  writ, 
Not  by  wirat  airy  carnal  reafon  faith, 
But  hy  the  golden  line  of  heaven-fpun  faith. 

Let  not  the  naughty  phrafe  make  you  difprove 
The  weighty  matter  which  deferves  your  love. 
H'gh  drains  would  fpoil  the  riddle's  grand  intent, 
To  teach  the  weakeft,  mod  ilht'rate  faint, 
That  Mahanaim  is  his  proper  name  ; 
In  whom  two  ftruggiing  hofts  make  bloody  game. 
That  fuch  may  know,  wkofe  knowledge  is  but  rude, 
How  good  confifts  with  ill,   and  ill  with  good. 
That  faints  be  neither  at  their  word  nor  beft, 
Too  much  exalted,  or  too  much  depreft. 

This  paradox  is  fitted  to  difclofe 
The  (kill  of  Zion's  friends  above  her  foes; 
To  difference  by  that  light  Heav'n  tranfmits, 
Some  happy  fools  from  miferable  wits. 
And  thus  (  if  blefs'd  )  it  may  in  fome  degree 
Make  fools  their  wit,  and  wits  their  folly  fee. 


152  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  HI. 

Slight  not  the  riddle  then  like  jargon  vile, 
Bteaufe  not  garnifh'd  with  a  pompous  ftile, 
Could  th'  author  atSt  the  lofty  poet's  part, 
Who  make  their  ionnets  (bar  on  wings  of  art, 
He  on  this  theme  had  biufh'd  to  ufe  his  (kill, 
And  either  dipt  his  wings,  or  broke  his  quill. 

Why,  this  enigma  climbs  fuch  divine  heights 
As  (corn  to  be  adorn'd  with  human  flights. 
Thefe  gaudy  ftrains  would  lovely  truth  difgrace, 
As  purefl:  paint  deforms  a  comely  face. 
Heav'n's  myfteries  are  'hove  art's  ornament, 
Immenfely  brighter  than  its  brighteft  paint. 
No  tow'ring  lit'rature  could  e'er  outwit 
The  plainelt  diftion  fetch'd  from  facred  writ  5 
By  which  mere  blaring  rhet'ric  is  outdone, 
As  twinkling  ftars  are  by  the  radiant  fun. 
The  ibaring  orators,  who  can  with  eafe 
Strain  the  quinteflence  of  hyperboles, 
And  clothe  the  bareft  theme  with  pureft  drefs, 
Might  here  expatiate  much,  yet  lay  the  lefs, 
If  with  th'  majeftic  (implicity 
Of  fcripiure  orat'ry  they  difagree. 

Thefe  lines  pretend  not  to  affect  the  fky, 
Content  among  inglorious  (hades  to  lie, 
Provided  facred  truth  be  fitly  clad, 
Or  glorious  (hine  cv'n  through  the  dirfky  {hade. 
Mark  then  though  you  (hould  mifs  the  gilded  iirain, 
If  they  a  (lore  of  golden  truth  contain  : 
Nor  under  rate  a  jewel  rare  and  prime, 
Though  wrapt  up  in  the  rags  of  homely  rhime. 

Though  haughty  Deifts  hardly  flop  to  fay, 
That  nature's  n'rght  has  need  of  fcripture-day  : 
Yet  gofpel-lighx  alone  will  clearly  Ihew 
How  ev'ry  lentence  here  is  juft  and  true, 
Expel  the  (hades  that  may  the  mind  involve, 
And  loon  the  feeming  contradiction  folve. 


Preface.  The  Believes  Riddh.  i$$ 

All  fatal  errors  in  the  world  proceed 
From  want  oflkill  fucb  myfteries  to  read. 
Vain  men  the  double  branch  of  truth  divide. 
Hold  by  the  one,  and  flight  the  other  fide. 

Hence  proud  Armenians  cannot  reconcile 
Freedom  of  grace  with  freedom  of  the  will* 
The  blinded  Papift  won't  difeern  nor  fee 
How  works  are  good  unlefs  they  juftify. 
Thus  Legalifts  dittinguifh  not  the  odds 
Between  their  home-bred  righteoufnefs  and  God's, 
Antinomifts  the  faints  perfection  plead, 
Nor  duly  fever  'tween  them  and  their  head. 
Socinians  won't  thefe  feeming  odds  agree, 
How  heav'n  is  bought,  and  yet  falvation  free. 
Bold  Arians  hate  to  reconcile  or  fcan. 
How  Chrift  is  truly  God  and  truly  man  r 
Holding  the  one  part  of  Imrnanuei's  name, 
The  other  part  outrageoufly  blafpheme. 
The  found  in  faith  no  part  of  truth  conrroul  5 
Heretics  own  the  half,  but  not  the  whole. 

Keep  then  the  facred  myftVy  11:11  entire  ; 
To  both  the  fides  of  truth  do  favour  bear, 
Not  quitting  one  to  hold  the  other  branch  ; 
But  palling  judgment  on  an  equal  bench  ; 
The  riddle  has  two  feet,  and  were  but  one 
Cut  off,  truth   failing  to  the  ground  were  gone- 
'Tis  all  a  contradiction,   yet  all  true, 
And  happy  truth,  if  verify'd  in  you. 
Go  forward  then  to  read  the  lines,  bin  flay 
To  read  the  riddle  alio  by  the  way. 


i$4  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

The    RIDDLE, 

SECT.     I. 

The  myftery  o£  the  faints  pedigree,  and  efpecially  of 
their  relation  to  Christ's  wonderful  perfon. 

MY  life's  a  maze  of  feeming  traps  af 
A  (bene  of  mercies  and  mifhaps  b  ; 
A  heap  of  jarring  to-and-froesc, 
'    A  field  of  joys,  a  flood  of  woes*/. 

I'm  in  mine  own  and  others  eyes, 
A  labyrinth  of  myfteries*. 

a  Jolh.  xxii.  13.  And  Jofhua  faid,  Know  for  a  certain- 
ty, that  the  Lord  your  God  will  no  more  drive  out  any 
of  thefe  nations  from  before  you;  but  they  mall  be  fnares 
and  traps  unto  you,  and  fcourges  in  your  fides,  and  thorns 
in  your  eyes,  &c.  Pfal.  exxiv.  7.  Our  foul  is  efcaped  as 
a  bird  out  of  the  fnare  of  the  fowler;  the  fnare  is  brok- 
en, and  we  are  efcaped. 

b  Or  mifsries.  Lam.  iii.  1 9.  Remembering  mine  af- 
fliction and  my  mifery,  the  wormwood  and  the  gall. 
if.  22.  It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  con- 
fumed,  becaufe  his  companions  fail  not.  Pfal.  ci.  1.  I 
will  fmg  of  mercy  and  judgment :  unto  thee,  O  Lord, 
will  I  fins. 

O 

c  Pfal.  cii.  10.  Thou  hail  lifted  me  up  and  cad  me 
down.  Pfal.  cix.  23.  I  am  toffed  up  and  down  as  the  lo- 
cuft. 

d  Hab  iii.  17,  18.  Although  the  fig-tree  tall  not  blof- 
fom,  neither  fnall  fruit  be  in  the  vines,  the  labour  of  the 
olive  mall  fail,  and  the  fields  fhall  yield  no  meat,  the 
flocks  fliall  be  cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there  fhall  be 
no  herd  in  the  Halls;  yet  will  I  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I 
will  joy  in  the  God  of  mv  falvation. 

e  I  a.  viii.  18.  Behold  I  and  the  children  whom  the 
Lord  hath  given  me,  are  f  )v  ligns  and  for  wonders  in  If- 
rael ;  from  the  Lord  of  holts,  which  dwelleth  in  mount 
Zion.  Z:jch.  iii.  8.  Hear  now,  O  Joihua  the  high  prielr, 
thou  and  thy  felbws  that  fit  before  thee:  for  they  are 


Seel.  I.  7 he  Believer's   Rid&le.  155 

I'm  fomething  that  from  nothing  came/, 
Yet  fure  it  is,  I  nothing  am^. 

Ohcc  I  was  dead,   and  blind,  and  lame  h9 
Yea,  I  continue  ftill  the  fame  i ; 
Yet  what  I  was,  I  am  no  more  k} 
Nor  ever  fhall  be  as  before  /. 


men  wondered  at,  &c.     Pfal.  lxxi.  7.  I  am  as  a  wonder 
Unto  many,  but  thou  art  my  ftrong  refuge. 

f  Gen.  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven 
and  the  earth.  Heb.  xi.  3.  Through  faith  we  underitand 
that  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  fo  that 
things  which  are  feen  were  not  made  of  things  which  do 
appear. 

g  Ifa.  xl.  17.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing, 
and  they  are  accounted  to  him  lets  than  nothing,  and  va- 
nity. Dan.  iv.  35.  All  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are 
reputed  as  nothing. 

h  Eph.  ii.  1.  And  you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were 
dead  in  trefpafTes  and  fins.  Rev.  Hi.  17.  Becaufe  thou 
fayeft,  I  am  rich,  and  increafed  in  goods,  and  have  need 
of  nothing;  and  knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and 
miferable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  Ifa.  xxxv. 
6.  Then  fhall  the  lame  man  leap  as  an  hart,  and  the 
tongue  of  the  dumb  fing;  for  in  the  v/ildernefs  fhall 
waters  break  out,  and  ftreams  in  the  defert. 

i  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  lav/  is  fpiritual: 
but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  v.  24.  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  fhall  deliver  me  from  the  body  cf  this 
death  > 

k  Rom.  vii.  17.  Now  then,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it, 
but  lin  that  dwelleth  in  rae.  v.  20.  Now,  if  I  do  that 
I  would  not,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  fin  that  dwel- 
leth  in  me.  John  ix.  25.  He  [the  blind  man]  anfwered 
and  faid,  Whether  he  be  a  finner,  or  no,  I  know  not ; 
One  thing  I  know,  that  whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  fee. 
/  Rom.  xi.  29.  For  the  gifts  and  calling  of  God  are 
without  repentance.  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an 
everlading  covenant  with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  a- 
way  from  them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  I  will  put  my  fe:.r 
in  their  hearts,  that  they  fha'l  not  depart  from  me. 


1 56  G  ou'el    Son  n  e  t  s.  Parr.  I)f . 

My  Father  lives ?;/,  my  father's  gone  ;;> 
My  vital  head  both  loft  and  won  0. 
My  parents  cruel  are  and  kind  p, 
Of  one,  and  of  a  diff'rent  mind  qt 

My  father  poifon'd  me  to  death  r, 
My  mother's  hand  will  (lop  my  breath/; 
Her  womb,  that  once  my  fubftance  gave: 
Will  very  quickly  be  my  grave  /. 


M  Ifa.  ix.  6-  His  name  fhall  be  called — The  everlast- 
ing Father.  Rev.  i.  1 8. 1  am  he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead ; 
and  behold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore.     Amen. 

n  HzC.  xiv.  3.  In  thee  the  fatherlefs  fmdeth  me  rev- 
Zech.  i.  5.  Your  fathers,  where  are  they  ?  and  the  pro- 
phets, do  they  live  for  ever? 

0  1  Cor.  xv.  45.  It  is  written,  The  firft  man  Adam 
was  made  a  living  foul,  the  la.r.  Adam- was  made  a  quick- 
ening fpirit. 

p  Pfal.  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children; 
fo  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him.     Ifa.  xliii.  27. 
Thy  firft  father  hath  finned,  and  thy  teachers  have  tranf- 
grefTed  again Cc  me. 

q  Job  xxiii.  13.  But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  who  can 
turn  him?  and  what  his  foul  defireth,  even  that  he  doth. 
Rom.  viii.  5.  For  they  that  are  after  the  $efii,  do  miad 
the  things  of  the  fie  Hi ;  but  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit, 
the  things  of  the  Spirit,  v.  7.  Becaufe  the  carnal  mini 
is  enmity  againft  God:  for  it  is  not  fubjeft  to  the  law 
of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 

r  Rom.  v.  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  (in  entered 
into  the  world,  and  death  by  fin;  and  iO  death  palled  up- 
on all  men,  for  that  all  have  finned. 

f  G?n.  iii.  16.  Unto  the  woman  he  fald,  I  will  greatly 
multiply  thy  forrow,  and  thy  conception :  in  forrow  than 
malt  bring  forth  children,  &c 

s  Pfal.  cxlvi-  4.  His  breath  poeth  forth,  he  returneth 
to  his  earth;  in  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perilli.  Eccl. 
iii.  2D.  All  go  unto  one  place,  all  are  of  the  dull,  and  all 
turn  to  duft  an;ain. 


•!.  I.  The  Believer's   Kiiite.  157 

My  Gllers  ail  my  fiefii  will  eat  f, 

•  brethren  tread  me  under  fe^i  u\ 
My  neaYeft  friends  arc  mu!l  unk'ukl  r, 
Mvoreateft  foe's  mv  gi*eateft  friend  iu, 

JTe  •        I  from  feud  to  friend  (hip  pafs, 

Y'jt  never  ch  inge  from  what  he  was  ,r. 
lie  is  my  Father  he  alone, 
Whojs  my  Father's  only  Son  y* 


^  -  * 


f  Job  xvil.  14.  I  have  faid  to  eograpjtion,   0"      • 
I  it  uerj   to  the  v/orm.  TIiou  b  lother,  andj  : 

tp,  xi  '    2  ;.   And  th  r  my  J!-:i:i.  \yorn 

deftroy  this  bodyj  yet  in  my  flefti  #12     j   ee  G^ 

v.   E  ;,0,   T  '     ,  -  pallor": 

ived:-  ed  in  .rd,  r  ;a  my  p<  r 

t ion  •  '.  1 .     roa  ta  rit|  pc 

ite  *a  c!:.  3  -v"--.  eth  it  a  ihiai] 

:n£  unto  you$   I  1      tye  ei  1  £ji€  good  pasture,  bi 

ye  imift  gread  i        1  with  your  £?et  .  .  of  you- 

paftures'  and  t  e  druuk  ojf  tke  deep  waters,  but  j 

ill  ibul  I  fidue  -  rith  your 

v  P(a|»  !v.   12,  1".  For  iL  not        enemy  t"  .     re 

pcoathtfd  cne«,  j  ten  I  ha;  -»  ;i- :   neither  ira 

12    ■  '.  ' /  birn  eli'  againfj  rr.e. 
en   I  v  hid  niyjelf  fronj  I''m.     F-ut  it  wj 

an,  a  'o,ua^  pi  -  a»4«^ine  sc(jua« 

ance.     1  >.  Tn; j    in  a  friend,  pit  ; 

not  con  j  :   Iceeo.  tie  dooi*";  of  thy  mo-.. 

{.-<  -.    Fc         .*  foy  di  ■>.o:ionr- 

htenr>i    •        'tp  ar.r.': .■ :  the   mp- 
vl  hsr  ra  >tber  i 

7-  -.  r  i.  1  :ed,(r\     ' 

2  •    v.    *?.   God  was  in   Ch  5  .    ■    -   t\. *  ' 

■  !  '.  *g£    net ; 

-  of  Jacob  are  ■•  L     Hof.   v: 

sal  t'ieir  back  Aiding,   {  will  lovi 
;er  i~  turned  awa^  from  him. 

- 

y    John  xx.   17.  Jefus   faith  unto  he:-   "  ],  Touch 

H 


1 53  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part   I! ! 

I  am  his  mother's  i\m  z7  yet  more, 
A  ion  tits  mother  a  never  bore, 
£ut  born  ot  him  b,  and  yet  aver 
His  Father's  ions  my  mother's  were  c. 

1  am  divore'd,  yet  marry'd  itil!  d, 
With  full  content  agaiuft  my  will?. 
My  hufband  prefeni  is/",  yet  gone^, 
V/e  differ  much,  yet  itill  are  one, b. 

ine  not:  fori  am  net  afcended  unto  mv  Father:  but  «o 
to  my  brethren,  and  fay  unto  them,  I  afcend  unto  my 
Father  and  your  Father,  and  to  mv  God  and  vour  Gcd, 
I! a.  ix.  6.  Unto  us  a  Son  is  give:; —  :  and  his  name  mail 
be  called — The  everiaiiiug  Fa:her.  John  i.  14.  And  the 
Word  was  made  fie  To,  and  dwelt  among  us  (and  we  b&- 
held  his  Rlorv'  the  glory  as  of  the  onlv  begotten  of  the 
Father)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

z  Song  lii.  4'.    It  was  but  a  little  that  I  paT-d  from 
themr  but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  loveth:    I  held 
him,  and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought  him 
into  my  mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chambers  of  her 
that  conceived  me.     v.  11.  Go  forth,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Zion,  and  behold  hing  Salomon  with  the  crown  where- 
with his  mother  crowned  him  in  t'ee  day  of  his  cfpoufals,- 
and  in  the  day  of  the  gladaei's  of  his  heart. 
a  viz.   His  natural  mother  according  to  the  flejb. 
b  John  i.   13.  Vvrhich  were  barn  not  of  blood,  nor  of 
the  will  of  the  flefti,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,-  but  of  God. 
c  Gal.  iv.  26.  But  Jerusalem  which  is  above,  is  free. 
which  is  the  mother  of  us  all. 

d  Rom  vii.  4.  \\  'he  re  fore  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  be- 
come dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrift;  and  that 
ye  fhould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  \\ 
raifed  from  the  dead. 

e  Pfal.  ex.  3.  Thy  people  fha.ll  be  willing  in  the  day  of 
thy  power. 

/  P.latth.  xxvnii  20-.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway.  even- 
unto  the  end  of  the  world. 
-    g  John  xiv.  2.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you. 

h  John  xvii.  21.  That  they  all  may  be  o.ie,  as  thou, 
Father,  art  la  me,  and  I  in  th^e ;  that  they  alfo  may  be 
one  in  us. 


SeA.  I.  The  Bs'ijvjr's  Riddle.  *59 

He  \i  the  firft,   the  laft,   the  all  1, 

Yet  number'd  up  with  in'.ccrs  imail<£. 
The  firfl:  oi  all  things  /,   yet  alone 
The  fecond  of  the  great  Three-one  m. 

A  creature  never  could  he  be, 
Yet  is  a  creature  ftrange  I  fee  n  -, 
And  own  this  uncreated  one, 
The  fori  of  man,  yet  no  man's  fon  o. 


t  Rev.  [.  ii.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firfl  and  the 
lad —     Col.  iii.  1 1.  Chrift  is  all  and  in  all 

k  Pfal.  xxii.  6-  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man. 
/  Col.  i.  15,  16.  Who  is  the  image  of  the  invifible  God, 
the  full-born  of  every  creature  :  for  by  him  were  all 
things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth, 
vifible  and  invifible,  whether  they  be  throne;,  or  do- 
minions, or  principalities,  or  powers  :  all  things  were 
created  by  him,  and  for  him. 

m  1  John  v.  7.  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in 
heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft. : 
and  the  lb  three  are  one.  Matth.  x::v:::.  19.  Go  ye  there- 
fore, and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Sin,  and  o{  the  Holy  Ghoft. 

;;  John  i.  2,  3.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the 
Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  The  fame 
as  in  the  beginning  with  God.  All  things  were  made 
by  him;  and  without  him  was  not  anything  made  that 
was  made.  v.  14.  \nd  the  Word  was  made  fie  Hi,  and 
dwelt  among  us  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of 
the  only  Jjegotten  of  the  Father)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 
0  L  23.    Behold  a  virgiri  mall  be  with  child, 

and  {hall  bring  forth  a  ion,  and  they  mall  call  hi;  name 
Emmanuel-  which,  being  interpreted  is,  God  with  us. 
*  i-   0'\f  35-  Then  faid  Mary  unto  the  angel,  How 
be,   feeing  I  know  not  a  man?     And  the  angel 
anfwered  and  faid  unto  her,  The  Holy  Ghoft  mall  come 
on  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Highest  ihali  overba- 
de        ee  ;   therefore  alfo  that  holy  thing  which  mall  be 
.  ,  fhall  be  called  the  Son  of  God. 


160  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  1 1 


Li-'i  ornriiprefent  all  may  know/;  ; 


t  J 

V 


5fei  never  could  be  wholly  fo^. 
Kis  manhood  is  not  here  and  there  r, 
Yet  he  Is  God- man  e/'ry  where/. 

He  comes  and  goes,  none  can  him  trace  i  ; 
Yet  never  could  he  change  his  place  /. 
But  t(jOiigi)  he's  good  uf  and  evVy  where, 
No  gold's  in  he]!,   yet  he  u  there  v. 

I  by  hina  <u;,   in  him  x  chofen  was^, 

Yet  of  the  choice  he's  Hot  the  caule  z  : 


P  Pfal.'  fcicsxlx.  7,  8,  9,  io.  Whither  fliall  I  go  from 
tiiy  Spirit ?  or,  thither  (hall  I  flee  from  thy  pretence?  If 
I  afcend'up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  :  if  I  make  my 
bed  in  hell,  heboid,  thou  art  there.  If  I  take  the  wings 
oi  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermoft  parts  of  the 
fea:  even  there  (hall  thy  hand  bad  me,  and  thy  rig 
hand  fhall  hold  roe.     . 

q  Luke  xxiv.  6.  He  ii  not  here,  hut  is  rlfen. 

r  John  xvi.  i6\  A  little  while,  and  ye  frail  not  fee  me  : 
and  again,  a  little  while,  and  ye  fhall  fee  me,  -  I 

go  to  the  Father*. 

/Matth.  i.  23.  See  letter  0.  Chap,  xxviii.  2:.  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  aiwav,  even  unto  the  end  0/  the  world. 

s  John  hi.  8.  The  wind  hloweth  where  it  h 
thou  heareft  the  found  thereof,  hut  c.  nit  <  3 

it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth;  .0  is  etexy  one  ......  U 

born  of  the  Spirit. 

2  Ira.  h:vi.  1.  Thus  raith  the  Lord,  The  heave::  is  my 
throne,  and  the  earth  k  my  foottfcool  ;  where  is  the  hou'c 
that  ye  built  unto  me?  and  where  is  the  place  of  my  reft  2 

u  Plalni  c  5.  The  Lord  is  good  j  bis  mercy  1,  evej 
lafting. 

v  pfalm  exxxix.  8.  If  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold, 
thou  art  there. 

w  As  God.  x  As  Me  Uator. 

7  Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chofen  us  in  hh'\ 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we  fnould  be 
holv,  and  without  blame  before  him  in  lov 

Z  But  bimfelf  the  Pather'ffirft  tlUi.     Ira.  xln.-i.  Y 


ft.  I.  The         iver\    Riddle.  161 

For  fov'reign  mercy  ne'er  was  bouoht  a% 
Yet  through  his  blood  a  vent  it  fought  b. 

In  him  concenter'd  ar  his  death 
His  Father's  love  c,  his  Father's  wrath  ^/; 
E/en  lie  whom  palfion  never  ieiz'd  <?, 
Was  then  mull:  angry,   when  molt  pleas'd/* 


hold  my  fervaat,  whom  I  uphold  ;  mine  elect,  in  whom 
my  foul  delighteth. — Matih.  kii.  18.  Behold  my  fervant, 
whom  I  have  choieo,  my  beloved,  in  whom  my  foul  ii 
well  pleafed. 

a  John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  Sec.  Mom.  ix.  ii.  For  the  chil- 
.11  being  not  yet  born,  neither  having  done  any  good 
or  evil,  that  the  puxpoie  of  God  according  to  election 
might  it  and,  not  of  works,  but  of  hitb  that  calleth.  v.  13. 
It  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  loved,  but  Efao  have  I  hated. 
•y,  15.  God  faith  to  Moles,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  I 
will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  companion  on.  whom  I 
will  have  corap allien. 

b  Rom  iii.  24,  25.  Being  juflifisd  freely  by  his  grace, 

through  the  redemption  that  i>  in  Jems  Chriit:  whom 

God  hath  let  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  thro'  faith  in  his 

jod,  to  declare  his  ri   hta    a.nefs  for  the  remihion  of 

ks,  &c.     Chap-  v.  9.  Being  j.  d   by  his  blood,  we 

be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.     v.  21.  That  as 

fin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign 

through    rights ouihefs   unto  eternal  life  by  Jefus  Chriit 

our  Lord.  x 

c  John  x.  17.  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me,  be- 
caufe  I  lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might  take  it  again. 

d  Ifa.  Iii.  10.  Yet  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  bra.  ;  he 

hath  put  him  to  grief. 

e  Ifa.  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me. 

f  Rom.  viii.  23.  He  fpared  not  his  own  Son,  but  deli- 
vered him  up  for  us  all.  Eph.  v.  2.  Chriit  hath  given 
himrelf  for  us,  an  ottering  and  a  facrifice  to  G:»d  for  a 


fweet-i'meliiiig  favour. 

XT 


i62  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  \[\, 

Tuft  ice  rcquir'd  that  he  fhotild  die^, 
Who  yet  was  fldiu  unrighteoufly  b  ; 

And  dy'd  in  mercy  and  in  wrath,, 
A  lawful  and  a  lawlefs  death  /. 

With  him  I  neither  liv'd  nor  dy\)9 
And  vet  with  him  was  crucifv'd  k. 
Law  curfes  ftopt  his  breath,  that  he 
Might  flop  its  mouth  from  curling  me  A 

■  'Tis  now  a  thoufanci  years  and  tape 
Since  heav'n  received  him  ;    yet  i  kuo.v, 
When  he  zfcc:\dcd  noon  high 
To  mourn;  the  throne,  ev  n  fo  did  I  ///. 

g  Heb.  vii.  32.  By  fo  much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of 
a  better  tefcament.  Chap.  i.x.  16.  For  where  a  teftaroent 
is,  there  muit'alfo  of  neeeihty  be  the  death  of  the  teJ- 
tator.  i*.  22,  23.  And  alraoft  all  things  are  by  the  law 
purged-  withblood  ;  and  without  (bedding;  of  blood  is  no 
remiiilon.  It  was  therefore  neceiiary  that  the  patterns 
of  things  in  the  heavens  fhould  be  purified  with  theTe  : 
but  the  heavenly  tbingi  themfelres.with  better  fecrific 
than  thefe. 

h  Malta.  ^.Kvii.  4-  I  [Juda*>]  have  finned,  in  that  I 
have  betrayed  the  innocent  blood-  v.  23.  And  the  Go- 
vernor faldj  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  dene?  But  they 
cried  out  the  more,  faying.  Let  him  be  criidified. 

i  Acts  ii.   23.  Jefus  of  jtfazaretb,  being  delivered 
the  determinate  c minted  and  ioieknov.  ledge  of  God,   ye 
have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and 
Chap.  iv.  27-  For  of  a  truth  againft  thy  holy  child  Je  u 
whom  thou  haft  anointed,  both  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilat 
with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Ihaei  were  ga&&iv 
ea  together,  Sec. 

k  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with  Chvifi-. 

/  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrilt  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  Cn 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curie  for  us  :  for  ii  io  written, 
Curbed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

m  Col.  iii.  1.  If  ye  then  be  rifen  with  Chrift,  Zzc  Ileb. 
vi.  2j.  Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  u:  entered,  ev 
Jefus,  Sec. 


I    ■:.  I.  the  BsUevsr9*  u  u   ■ 

Hence  though  eanh's  dunghill  I  embrace, 
1  fit  with  him  in  beav'nly  place  », 
In  divers  diflant  orbs  1  move, 
InthralI'd  below,  imhron'd  above, 


SEC   T.     II. 

e  nr  oC  the    aiat's  life,  date,  as 

MY   li        a  pleafurt  c  ^rci  a  pain  b  \ 
A  real  I    Is,   a  real      .      c  ; 
A  glorious  paradhe  uijoys  </, 
A  gi .  tloii  of  annoys  . , 


n  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  fin*,  ha  . 
quickened  as  together  with  Chritf,  arid  hath  raifed'usnp 
together,  and  made  us  fit  together  in  heavenly  places  in 

a  Prov.  iii.  17.  Ker  ways  are  ways  of  pleafantnefs,  and 
her  paths  *re  peace. 

b  Pfai.  cxx.  7.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  frjourn  in  Me  cch, 
that  I  dwell  ia  the  tents  of  K-:dar. 

c  Phil.  iii.  '.  Bat  what  things  were  fain  to  me,  thole 
I  counted lofs  ior  C.ivrLT.  Chap  i.  2\ — z\.  For  to  me  to 
live  is  Chi i:t,  and  to  die  is  gain-  But  if  I  live  in  the 
flefij,  •'•  Is  is  the  fruit  of  my  labour:  yet  what  1  fball 
>fe  1  wot  not,  fori  am  in  a  (trait  betwixt  two,  hav- 
ing a  denre  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Chrifr,  which  i> 
far  better:  nevertheless,  to  abide  in  the  fielb  is  more 
needful  for  you. 

d  1  Pet.  i.  8.  V/hom  having  not  feen  ye  love  ;  in  whom 
thoagh  now  ye  fee  him  hot,  yet  believing,  ye  rejo.co 
with  jov  unspeakable,   and  full  of  glory. 

c  Pial.  cxlii.  7-  Brin!;  nr/foul  out  of  nrifon,  that  I  ta 

*  w 


164 


Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 


I  daily  joy,  and  daily  mourn /J 
Yet  daily  vvair  the  tides  return g  : 
Then  forrow  deep  my  fpirit  chcars, 

Tin  joyful  in  a  flood  of  tears  /;. 

/  1  Pet.  i.  6.  Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  i 
for  a  feafon,  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heavinefs,  through 
manifold  temptations*  2  Cor.  i.  4.  Who  comforteth  us  , 
in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort 
them  which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort  therewith 
ourfelves  are  comforted  of  God.  Job  xxx.  28.  I  went 
mourning  without  the  fan,  £.c. 

g  Ifa.  viii.  1  7.  And  I  w  iii  wait  upon  the  Lord  that  hid- 
eth  his  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for 
him. 

b  Zcch.  xii.  jo.   And  I  will  oour  upon  the  houfe  of  Da- 
vid,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  the  fpirit  oi 
grace  and  of  amplications,  and  they  mall  look  upon  me 
whom  they  have  pierced,  and  they  'hail  mourn  for  him, 
as  one  mourneth  for  an  only  ft>n    and  mall  be  in  bltter- 
nefs  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bicterneis  for  his  rirfl-born. 
Kiel;.  xxxvi.  31,  $2.  Then  (hall  ;«e  remember  your  own 
evil  ways,   and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  mall 
loth'e  vourfelves  in  your  cwn  fight,  for  vour  iniquities, 
and  for  your  abominations.     Not  for  your  fake-,   do   I 
this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  }ou:  be  a- 
.amed   and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  hou'e  of 
li'rael.     Ho£   xii.  3.  4.  He   [Jacob]  took  his  brother  by 
the  heel  in  the  womb,  and  bvhis  ftrenzth  he  had  power 
with  God:  yea,  he  had  power  over  the  Angel,  and  pre- 
vailed: he  wept  and   made   fupplication  unto   him:    he 
found  him  in  Bethel,  and  there  he  fpake  with  us.     Luhc 
vii.   38.  And  [a  woman  which  was  a  {inner]  flood  at  his 
feet  behind  him  weeping;,    and   began  to  v.  am  his  ic_: 
with  tears,  and  did  wipe  them  with  the  hairs  of  her  beach 
and  killed  his  feet,  and  anointed  them  with  the  oi: 
John  xx.  15,  iq-  j cm s  iaith  unto  her,  Woman,  why  weep- 
eft  thou?    whom  feeke^l  thou?    fee  fuppofing  him  to  be 
gardener,    faith  unto  hiin,  Si..-,   if  thou  have  borne  him 
hence,  tell  me  where  thou  haft  laid  him,  and  I  will  take 
him  away.  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  Mafy,  She  turned  herfelf, 
and  faith  unto  him,  Rabboni,* which  is  to  fay,  Mailer. 


.   II.  Tic    /'.       rr'j   RUdU.  165 

Good  1  !   Kill  re  be  fad  :, 

G  iys  to  be  glad  £. 

Hence  lliii  my  joys  with  furrows  mtet  (% 
And  11         y  tea  i     re  bitter  fweft  a»« 

I'm  crulVJ,    and  yet  have  aii  my  w  ill  a  ; 
I'm  always  empty,  always  foil  0. 
I  hunger  now,   ar.d  ihirft  r;u  more  p} 
Yef  1       .1  .. v  eag«  el     .7. 

v.  20.  Then  were     bed    .'.  la  dad  when  thevfaw  tin 
Lord. 

/  Rom.  vil.  24.  O  wret died  man  that  I  ana  who  fhalj 
deli\  j jay  of  this  death? 

2  Cor.  :i.  ;.;.  Thanks  ho  ..mo  Cod,  who  always  cauf- 
cth  as  to  t nph  in  Cnrii:. 

/  2  Cor.  vi.  2C  — as  forrowful,  yet  always  rejoicing. 

m  Zech.  :•:::.  10.  See  letter  b.  Plal-  exxvi  5.  They 
that  fow  in  tears,  ihall  reap  in  jo;..  I5a-  lxi.  2,  3-  The 
Lord  hath  lent  me  to  -  omfort  all  that  mourns  to  appoint 
uxito  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto  them  beauty 
for  afne.,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the  garment  of 
prai.'e,  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs.  Zee  Matth.  v.  4.  Elm- 
Fed  are  t  u      ha    mourn,  for  they  n.         e  cornrorted. 

n  Luke  xii.  42.    Father,  if  thou  be  wil]    1    .  remove 

this  cuo  f:        ine  '  ne   srthejefs,  not  in y  will,  but  thine 

done.     .-  ffcs  xxi-   14.   And  when  he  [Paul]  would  xfot 

!  perfi  ;d,  faying,  The  will  of  the  Lord 

j  done. 

0  2  Coi  i.  ic.  A:  bavin?  nothing,  and  vet  poileffing 
all         ~s. 

/>  John  vi.  25.  Ar.d  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  I  am  the 
bread  pf  life,  he  ■  at  Cometh  to  0  e  ...ail  ne  /or  hunger, 
mid  he  that  believeth  on  ine 

q  Plal.  xiii.  1,  2.  As  the  hart  par,  .;  the  water- 

brooks,  fo  panteth  my  fouJ  after  thee,  O  Cod.     My  foul 
thirtieth  for  God,   for  the  living  God  :  when  ihall  I  come 

d  appear  before  God?   And  lxiil  1.  O  G^\j,  thou  art: 
Cod,  early  wil  I    e  . .  :  my  foul  eth  for  tm 

my  fiefh  longeth  for  theo*  in  a  dry  and  I  ind,  whe 

And  [xxiii.  25.   \Vuqj  -  at 

and  there         >ne    .     >n  .....  t    . .  I  deHre  beHdes 


166  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  HI. 

With  meat  and  drink  indeed  I'm  bled  r, 
Yet  feed  on  hunger,  drink  on  third  j\ 
My  hunger  brings  a  plenteous  {lore  s, 
My  plenty  makes  me  hunger  more  /. 

Strange  is  the  place  of  my  abode, 
I  dwell  at  home,   1  dwell  abroad  u. 

tbee.  Iia.  xxvi.  8,  9.  Yea  in  the  way  of  thy  judgments,  O 
Lord,  have  we  waited  for  thee ;  the  defire  of  our  foul 
is  to  thy  name,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee.  With 
my  foul  have  I  defired  thee  in  the  night,  yea,  with  my 
fpirit  within  me  will  I  feek  thee  early. 

r  John  vi.  55.  For  my  flefli  is  meat  indeed,  and  my 
blood  is  drink  indeed. 

f  Job  xxix.  2,  3,  4.  On  that  I  were  as  in  months  pari", 
as  in  the  days  when  God  preferred  me  ;  when  his  candle 
mined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by  his  light  I  walked  thro' 
darknefs :  as  I  was  in  the  days  of  my  youth,  when  the  fe- 
cret  of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle.  Pfal.  lxxvii.  ic, 
11,  12.  I  will  remember  the  years  of  the  right  hand  of 
the  Moil  High,  I  will  remember  the  works  of  the  Lord: 
furely  I  ,will  remember  thy  wonders  of  old.  I  will  me- 
ditate  alfo  of  all  thy  work,  and  talk  of  thy  doii::^.  Song 
v.  8.  I  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jerufalem,  If  ye 
find  my  Beloved,  that  ye  tell  him  that  I  am  fick  of  love. 
Chap.  viii.  1.  O  that  thou  wert  a;  my  brother  that  fuck- 
ed the  breads  of  my  mother !  when  I  mould  find  thee 
without,   I  would  kiis  thee,  yea,  I  Ihonld  not  be  defpifed. 

s  Matth.  v.  6.  Bleifeti  are  they  which  do  hunger  and 
thirft  after  righteoufiiefs,  for  they  mail  be  filed. 

t  2  Cor.  v.  2.  For  in  this  we  groan  earnefrly,  defiri] 
to  be  clothed  upon  with  our  houie  which  is  from  heave 
Phil.  i.  23.  For  I  am  in  a  ftrait  betwixt  two,  having  a  < 
fire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Chrift;  which  is  far  better. 
Sec     Song  ii.  3,  4,  5.  I  fat  down  under  his  fhadow  v> 
great  delight,  and  his  fruit  was  fweet  to  my  taiie.     i:j 
brought  me  to  the  banqucting-houfe,  and  his  banner  o- 
ver  me  was  love.     Stay  me  with  flagons,  comfort  me 
with  apples ;  for  I  am  fick  of  love. 

u  Job  iv.19.  How  much  lefs  them  that  dwell  in  '.  ■  of 
clay,  whofe  foundation  is  in  the  dnft,  which  are  crufhed 
before  the  moth?  Pfa£  xci.  Lord  I 


ft.  IL  The  BeiLver's   R.        ,  167 

I  am  riot  vbere  all  men  may  fee, 
Bat  where  I  ne\  er  vet  could  be  v. 

I'm  full  of  hell  iv,  yet  full  of  heav'n  Z, 
I'm  (till  upright  j,  yet  ftijl  uney '11*23 

Imperfect  a,  yet  a  perfect  faint  3  ; 
I'm  ever  poor  c%  yet  never  want  d. 

No  mortal  eyes  fees  God  and  lives  ey 
Yet  light  of  him  my  foul  revives  f. 

ling  place  in  all  generations.  And  xci.  1.  He  that  dwel- 
leth  in  the  fecret  place  of  the  Meft  High,  lhall  abide  un- 
der the  fhadow  of  the  Almighty.  1  John  iv.  16.  God  is 
:  and  he  that  dwclleth  in  love,  dwclleth  in  God,  and 
God  in  him. 

v  I  fa.  xxxiii.  16.  He  fiia-11  d^ve  11  oil  high:  his  place  of 
defence  mall  be  the  munition  of  rocks.  Eph.  ii.  6.  And 
hath  railed  us  up  together,  and  made  us  lit  together  in 
heavenly  places  in  Chrift  Jefus. 

-w  Eccl.  ix.  13:  The  heart  of  the  fens  of  men  is  full 
of  evil,  and  madnefs  is  in  their  heart  while  they  live, 
and  after  that  they  go  to  the  dead. 

.v  Eph.  iii.  19.  And  to  know  the  love  of  Chrift,  which 
paftcrh  knowledge,-  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the 

Lnefs  of  God. 

v  Fia.l.  xviii.  2$;  I  was  alio  upright  before  him  :  and 
I  kept  myfelf  from  mine  iniquity. 

z  Ezek.  xviii.   25.  Hear  now,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael,  are 
pot  your  ways  unequal? 

a  Rev.  iii.  2.  Be  watchful,  and  ilrengthen  the  thing ; 
which  remain,  that  are  ready  to  die  :  for  I  have  not  found 
thy  works  perfect  before  God. 

b  1  Cor.  ii.  6.  Hov/beit  we  fpeak  wifdom  among  them 
that  are  perfect,  &:c. 

c  Pfal.  xl.  17.  But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lord 
thinketh  uoon  me. 

d  Pfal.  xxiii.  1.  The  Lord  is  my  fhepherd,  I  lhall  not 
want.  And  xxxiv.  10.  The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  iuf- 
fer  hunger  ;  but  they  that  leek  the  Lord  mall  not  want 
any  good  thing. 

e  Exod.  xxxiii.  20,  And  he  faid,  Thou  canft  not  fee 
my  face  :  for  there  mall  no  maafee  me,  and  live. 

/  John  vi.  4-  Ar.d  this  b  the  will  of  him  that  lent  me, 


1 63  Gospel   So  :;  m  e  t  s.         Par:  III. 

I  live  beft  ul.en  1  fee  melt  bright  £ ; 
Yet   live  by  faith.  a«id  nor  hv  \M\\  b. 

I'm  jib'ra!  ;\  yet  have  n6aght  tn  fpare  k  ; 

Mod  richly  ctoh'd  /,  yet  ftripl  and  bare  ?n. 


that  every  one  &at  fefcth  the  Soii,  ai  :h  on  hlm^ 

may  have  everlafting  life.  Ghap.  xx.  22.  Then  were  the 
dlfciples  eladwhen  taev  faw  the  Lord. 

r  2  X '.or.  iii.   :S.  Cat  we  all  with  open  face  b  Lug 

as  in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Levd,  are  changed  into 
the  fame  image,  £*om  glery  to  glory,  even  a-,  by  jbhe 
Cpiiit  of  the  Lord.  Chap,  it  §.  For  God  v.- ho  com-* 
manded  the  light  to  mine  out!  of  darlowfs,  '  it  lined  in 
our   hearts    to  give  the  light  c  knowledge   of  tne 

glory  cf  God,  in  the  face  Lit 

i:  Gal.  ii.  23s  I  am  cruc:  iih  Chri    •  Neyert: 

1  live:  yet  net  I,  but  Chrift  itveth  in  me ;  at  !  life 
-  -  Lch  i  no-\7  live  in  the  fieflij  I  lire  by  t  ue  Faith  of  t  \ 
Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  a;  '  for  tne. 

2  Cor.  v.  7.  For  we  walk  b 

i  Ffal.  xxvii.  2i.  T    ■       icked  borrp    eth,  and  paye/tlp 

not  again:  bnt  the  righte      i  :b  nsvc-,  and  givet  . 

/:  Zeph.  i:i.  i  2. 1  will  ?.  e  iii   the  niidft  of  thee  an 

Hicfced  and  poor  people,  and  they  ftiali  trait  in  the  n 


of  '       Lord; 

/  Ifa.  lxL   :?.  Z    ■  ill  greatly  r  ;  hi  t" .?  ' .   -  h 

nl  fliall  be  ;  wfal  in  mv  God,  for  ;>.e  hath  clothed  me 

with  the  garments  of  falvation,  he  hath  covered  n   ! 

the  robe  of  :  >u  nefs,  asabri 


s  ornament  >,    and  as  a  bride    adornetft  h. 
with  !  er  jewels. 

m  Ezek.  rvi.  7.  I  have  cirved  dee  to  ni 
had  of  the  field,  and  thou  halt  mere  and  waxen  gee 

id  then  art  conic  to  e^ceiien-  orianr 
are  faflrioned,^and  thine  hair  U  gf  J  yn,  whereas  th  iA 

naked  and  hare.    Rev.  Lit  17-  Been-.      -    »n  fayeft,  I  am 

:h.  and  increa'ed  with  goods,  and  have  need  of  no- 
t  ii  lg  ;  and  knoweft  not  that  thou  ait  wretched,  and  mi- 
ferable,  andpox-,  and  blind,  and  naked. 


ft.  II.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  J  69 

My  tlock  is  riien  by  my  fall  r.  ; 
For,  having  nothing,  1  have  all  0. 
I'm  iinful  />,  yet  I  hfrve  no  fin  q  ; 
All  (potted  o'er  r,  yet  wholly  clean  f. 
Klacknefs  and  beauty  both  1  (hare. 
A  hellifh  black,  a  hc.v/cnly  fair  j. 
They're  of  the  dev'J,  who  fin  amain  t: 
But  I'm  of  God,  yet  fin  retain  u  : 
This  traitor  vile  the  throne  aflbmesv, 
Prevails,  yet  never  overcomes  tu. 

n  Horn.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  ell  things  work  to- 
gether ibr  good,  to  tliem  that  love  God,  to  them  who 
arc  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 

0  2  Cor.  vi.  10. — as  having  nothing,  and  vet  po&ifiog 

1  things. 

p  Rom-  vii.  14-  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  Spiritual ; 
but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  v.  24.  O  wretched  mini 
t  lat  1"  am,  who  (hall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death? 

q  Numb.  xxiii.  21.  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Ja- 
cob, neither  hath  he  feen  perverfenefs  in  Ifrael.  1  John 
iii.  9.  Whofoever  is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit  lip  ; 
for  his  feed  remains th  in  him :  and  he  cannot  fin,  becauie 
he  is  born  of  God. 

r  PfaL  xiv.  3-  They  are  all  gone  aftde,  they  are  al- 
together become  filthy  :  there  is  none  that  doth  good,  no 
not  one. 

f  Song  iv.  7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  no 
fpot  in  thee. 

j-  Song  i.  v.  I  am  black  but  comely,  O  ye  daughters  of 
Jerufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains  of  So- 
lomon, v.  1$.  Behold  thou  art  fair,  my  love;  behold 
thou  art  fair,    thou  bait  doves  e;es 

t  i  John  iii.  3.  Ke  that  committer.!!  fin,  is  of  the  de- 
vil; for  the  devil  finnejth  from  the  beginning- 

u  1  John  i.  8.  it  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fej,  we  de- 
ceive ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

V  ilcj^r.  \  ii.  2^.  But  I  fee  another  law  in  my  members, 
warring  agulmfc  the  iav  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  in- 
to captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is  in  my  members. 

iu  gfal.   hvv.  3.   Inn ui tie 3  prevail  a^ainfc  me  :  as  for 

I 


1 70  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  Hi. 

I'm  without  guile,  an  IfraTite  x, 
Yet  like  a  gu.leful  hypocrite^; 
Maintaining  truth  in  th*  inward  part  z. 
With  felfehood  rooted  in  my  heart  a. 

Two  maflers,  iure,   I  cannot  ferve  b. 
But  nxoft  from  one  re(j*r<Befs  iwerve; 
Yet  (elf  is  for  my  mailer  known  c, 
Ar.d  Jefus  is  my  Lord  alone  d. 


our  traafgrefliohs  thou  {halt  purge  them  away.  Rom.  vi. 
14-  For  fin  (hall  not  have  dominion  over  you;  for  ye  are 
not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

x  John  i.  47-  Jc  :is  Paw  N'athanael  coming  to  him,  and 
faith  of  him,  Behold  an  Ifraelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no 
guile.  Pial.  xxxii.  2.  Blelfed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the 
Lord  imputeih  not  iniquity,  and  in- whole*  fpirit  there  is 
no  guil2. 

y  Pial.  xix.  12.  Who  can  underfland  his  errors?  cleanfe 
thou  me  from  Tec  ret  faults. 

z  Pfal.  ii.  6.  Behold  thou  de  fire  ft  truth  in  the  inward 
parts ;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  malt  make  me  to  know 
wiidom. 

a  Matth.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  falfe 
witnefs,  blafphemies. 

b  Matth.  vi.  24.  No  man  can  ferve  two  matters :  f  or 
either  lie  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other ;  or 
efle  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and  defpife  the  other.  Ye 
cannot  rerve  God  and  mammon. 

c  Hof.  x.  n.  Ifrael  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth 
for:  1  fruit  unto  him  elf :  according  to  the  multitude  of 
his  fruit,  he  hath  increafed  the  altars;  according  to  the 
goodnefs  of  his  land,  the/  have  made  goodlv  images. 
Matth.  xvi.  24.  Then  faid  Jefus  unto  his  difcipies,  If  a:, 
man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himfelf,  and  take 
up  his  crors,  and  follow  me. 

d  Ifa.  xxvi.  13.  O  Lord  our  God,  other  lords  be  (ides 
thee  have  had  dominion  over  us ;  but  by  thee  only  will 
we  make  mention  of  thy  name.  John  xx.  28.  And  Tho- 
mas anfwered  and  faid  unto  him,  My  Lord,  and  my  G 


Seft.  II.  The  Belize's   RidJh.  lit 

I  Peek  my  (elf  inceflantly  e, 

Yet  dailv  do  mvlclf  clenv  A 
To  me  'tis  lawful  evermore 
Myfeif  to  love  and  to  abhoi*£, 

In  this  vain  world  I  live,  yet  fee 
I'm  dead  to  it  and  it  to  ine  h- 
My  joy  is  endlefs  /',  yet  at  befl: 
Does  hardly  for  a  moment  laft  k, 


e  Jam.  iv.  3.  Ye  afk,  and  receive  not,  becaufe  ye  ads 
amifs,  that  ye  may  confume  it  upon  your  lufts.  Jer.  xlvr. 
2,  5.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  the  God  of  Ifrael  unto  thee, 

0  Baruch,  And  feekefl  thou  great  things  for  thyfelf  r" 
Seek  them  not;  for  behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon  all 
^Gfny  faith  the  Lord  :  but  tny  life  will  1  give  unto  thee 
for  a  prey  in  all  places  whither  thou  goefi. 

/  Matth.  xvi.  24.  See  letter  c. 

g  Lev.  xix.  8.  Thou  fhalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any 
grudge  againil  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  fhak 
love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf:  I  am  the  Lord.  Eph.  v.  9'.' 
For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  rlefh  ;  but  nourifheth 
and  cherifheth  it,  even  as  the  Lord  the  church.  John 
xii.  25.  He  that  loyeth  his  life,  fhail  lofe  it:  and  he  that? 
lofeth  his  life  in  this  world,  fhall  keep  it  unto  life  eter- 
nal. Job  xlii-  6.  Yvrherefore  I  abhor  myfeif,  and  repent 
in  duft  and  afhes. 

/;  Col.  iii.    3.  For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  :>  hid 
with  Chrift  in  God.     Gal.  vi.  1 4-  But  God  forbid  that  I 
mould  glory  fave  in  the  crofs  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrii 
by  whom  the  world  is'  crucified  unto  me,'  and  I  unto  the 
world. 

i  John  xvi.  Z2f  And  ye  now  therefore*  have  forrow  :' 
but  I  will  fee  you  again,  and  your  heave  fhall  rejoice,  and 
Your  jov  no  man  takcth  from  vou.  2  TheT.  ii.  16.  Now 
our  Lord  Jefus  Chrilt  himfelf,  and  God  the  Father,  which 
hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  us  everlafiing  confolation, 
and  good  hope  through  grace,  &c. 

k  Plal.  xmx.  7.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  made  my 
mountain  to  frand  firon^  :  thou  didft  hide  thy  face,   and 

1  was  troubled.  I/a.  xlix.  13,  14.  Sing,  O  heavens,  an<| 
Le  joyful,  O  earth  ;  and  break  forth  into  finging,  O 
mountains :  for  the  L^rd  hath  comforted  his  people,  and 


i"]2  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

SECT.     III. 

Myfteries  about  the  faint's  work  and  warfare,  their  (ins, 

forrows,  and  joys. 

THE  work  is  great  I'm  cali'd  unto  ^ 
Yer  nothing's  left  for  me  to  do  b  : 
Hence  for  my  work  Keav'n  has  prepar'd 
No  wages  c,  yet  a  great  reward  d. 

To  works,  but  not  to  working  dead  e  ; 
From  fin,  but  not  from  (inning  freed/, 

will  have  mercy  upon  his  abided.  But  Zion  laid,  The 
Lord  h?.th  forfaken  me,  and  my  Lord  huth  forgotten  me. 
a  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have  al- 
ways obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but  now  much 
more  in  my  abfence;  work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
fear  and  trembling. 

b  Phil.  ii.  13.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you,  both 
to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure.  Lev.  xx.  7,  S. 
Sanctify  yourfelves,  therefore,  and  be  ye  holy :  for  I  am 
the  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  ihali  keep  my  flatutes,  and 
do  them :  I  am  the  Lord  which  fanclifv  you. 

c  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  death,  but  the 
gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no  more  of  work'  ; 
otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But  if  it  be  cf  work^, 
then  is  it  no  more  grace;  otherwise  work  is  no  more 
work. 

d  Pfal.  xix.  11.  Moreover,  by  them  [the  judgments  of 
the  Lord]  is  thy  fcrvant  warned  :  and  in  keeping  of  thcra 
there  is  great  reward.  Pfal  lviii.  1;.  Verily  mere  is  a 
reward  for  the  righteous  :  verily  he  is  God  that  j^dg^th 
in  the  earth. 

c  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are 
become  deed  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrift  '}  that  ye 
fhould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed 
from  the  dead,  that  we  fhould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God. 
Gal.  ii.  19.  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the  law, 
that  I  might  live  unto  God. 
/  1  Johni.  3.  If  we  fay  that  we  ::  ive  no  f.n,  we  d^- 


Sea.  III.  The  Believer'*  Riddle.  17* 

T  clear  myfelf  from  no  offence £t 
Yet  wafh  mine  hands  in  innocence  h. 

My  Father'?  anger  bum*  like  fire  :} 
Without  a  fpark  of  furious  ire  k  : 
Though  frill  my  (ins  difpleafing  be/, 
Yet  ftili  I  know  he's  pleas'd  with  me  ;;;. 

Triumphing;  is  my  conftant  trade  ny 
Who  yet  am  oft  a  captive  led  c. 

ceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.  Chap.  iii.  9. 
Who  oever  is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit  fin;  for  his 
feed  rem  aire th  in  him  :  and  he  cannot  fin,  becaufe  he  is 
born  of  God. 

g  Rem.  vii.  18.  For  I  know,  that  in  me  (chat  is,  in  my 
fiefn)  dwellcth  no  geed  thing  ;  for  to  vriii  is  prefent  with 
me;  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good,  I  find  not. 

h  P.'al.  x::vi.  6.  I  v.iil  v.-afli  mine  hands  in  innocency; 
fo  v/ ill  I  compafs  thine  altar,  O  Lord. 

i  1  Kings  si  9.  And  the  Lord  was  angry  with  Solo- 
mon, becaufe  his  heart  was  turned  from  the  Lord  God 
of  Ifrael,  which  had  appeared  unto  him  twice. 

k  Ifa.  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  iu  me.  Chap.  liv.  9,  10. 
For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me  :  for  as  I  have 

votn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  fhould  no  mere  go  over 
Che  earth  :  fo  have  I  (worn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth 
thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains  mall  de- 
part, and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kindnefs  fhall  not 
depart  from  thee,  neither  {hall  the  covenant  of  my  peace 
be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 

/  Kab.  i.  13.  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
evil,  and  canit  not  look  on  iniquity.  Jer.  xliv.  4.  How- 
beit,  I  fent  unto  you  ail  my  fervants  the  prophet-:,  rifing 
early  and  fending  them,  faying,  O  do  not  this  abomina- 
ble thing  that  I  hate. 

m  Math.  iii.  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaver:,  (aying, 
This  is  my  beloved  Scr.,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleafed. 
Rom.  v.  10.  When  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconcil- 
ed to  God  by  ti  e  death  cf  his  Son. 

n  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  Now  thanks  be  unto  God  which  always 
cau'eth  us  to  triumph  in  Chrift. 

0  Rem.  vii  23.  But  I  fee  another  law1  in  my  membei 


1 74  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

My  bloody  war  does  never  ceafe^, 
Yet  I  maintain  a  (table  peace  q. 

^ly  foes  affaulring  conquer  me, 

Yet  ne'er  obtain  the  victory  r  ; 

For  ail  my  battles  loft  or  won, 

Were  gain'd  before  they  were  begun/. 

I'm  ftill  &t  eafe,   and  dill  oppreft ; 
Have  con  flan  t  trouble,  conftant  reft  s  \ 

i 


warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me 
into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is  in  my  members. 

p  Rom.  vii.  23.  See  letter  o.  I  Tim.  vi.  12.  Fight  the 
good  fight  of  faith,  &c.  Gal.  v.  1  7.  For  the  flefh  luftetn 
againft  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  againft  the  fiefh;  and 
thefe  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other;  fo  that  ye  can- 
not do  the  things  that  ve  would. 

q  Horn.  v.  1.  Therefore  being  juftifei  by  faith,  we 
have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Ifa. 
liv.  10.  See  letter  k. 

r  Rom,  vii.  23.  See  letter  o.  Chap.  viii.  37-  Nay,  in 
all  theib  things  we  are  more  than  conquerers,  through 
him  that  loved  us. 

/  1  Cor.  xv.  57-  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
us  the  victcrv.  through  our  Lord  Tefus  Chrift. 

s  2  Cor.  iv-  8.  We  are  troubled  on  every  fide,  yet  not 
cdftre  fieri  ;  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  defpair.  John  xvi. 
33.  Thefe  things  have  I  fpoken  unto  you,  that  in  me  ye 
might  have  peace.  In  the  world  ye  fhall  have  tribula- 
tion ;  but  be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome  the  world 
Heb.  iv.  3-  For  -.ve  v.  h:ch  have  believed,  do  enter  into  reft. 


Seft.   III.  The  Believer's    Riddle.  I  7 5 

Both  clear  and  cloudy  t}  free  and  bnund  u ; 
Both  dead  and  living  r,    left  and  found  nv. 

Sin  for  my  good  does  work  and  yvin  v ; 
Yet  Ms  not  good  for  me  to  fin  y. 
My  plealure  ifl'ues  fromVmy  pain-, 
My  lofTes  liiil  increai'e  my  gain  a. 

t  Zech.  xiv.  6,  7.  And  it  fliail  come  to  pafs  in  that  day, 
that  the  light  Trail  not  be  clear,  nor  daik.  But  it  fhall 
be  one  day,  which  fhall  be  known  to  the  Lord,  not  day 
nor  night :  but  it  Trail  come  to  pais,  that  at  evening-time 
it  fhall  be  light.  Mic.  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againfl  me,  O 
mine  enemy;  when  I  fail,  I  fhall  arife ;  when  I  fit  in 
darknefs,  the  Lord  fhall  be  a  light  unto  me. 

u  John  viii.  36.  If  the  Son  therefore  fhall  make  you 
free,  ye  fhall  be  free  indeed.  Acts  xx.  23.  The  Holy 
Ghpft  witnefleth  in  every  city,  jaying,  That  bonds  and 
afflictions  abide  me. 

v  2  Cor.  vi.  9— as  dying,  and  behold  we  live.  Col.  iii. 
3.  For  ve  are  dead,  and  vour  life  is  hid  with  Chrift  in 
God. 

iv  Mat th.  xyiii.  11.  Fcr  the  Sen  of  man  is  come  to 
fave  that  which  was  loft.  Pfal.  cxix.  176.  I  lave  gene 
aftray  like  a  loll  fheep,  feek  thy  en  ant.  Phil.  iii.  9.  And 
be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  cwn  rightecu:re(s, 
which  is  of  the  law,  But  tfcat  which  is  through  the  faith 
of  Chrift,  the  righteou'nefs  which  is  of  Gcd  by  faith. 

x  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  gocd,  to  them  that  love  Gcd,  to  them  who 
are  the  called  according  to  his  purpo  e.  Chap.  xL  11.  I 
fay  then,  Have  they  ftumbled  that  they  fhouid  tail?  God 
foibid;  but  rather  through   their  fall  falvation  is  come 

unto  the  Gentiles,  for  to  provoke  them  to  jealou  y. 
y  Pfal.  lxxxix.  31,  32.  If  they  break  my  itatutes,  and 

keep  not  my  commandments,  then  will  I  viftt  their  tranf- 

greflion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with  ftripes. 
z  Pfal.  cxix.  67.  Before  I  was  afflicted,  I  v. en t  aftray  *• 

but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word.     x>.  71.  It  is  good  for  me 

that  I  have  been  afOicled  :  that  I  might  learn  thy  ftatutes. 

James  i.  2.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  you  fall 

;nto  divers  temptations. 

a  Matth.  x.  39.  He  that  lofeth  his  life  for  my  fake,  fliall 


i  76  Gospel  Sonnets,         Part  \\] 

I'm  hcal'd  ev'n  when  my  places  abound  b> 
Cover'd  with  duft  ev'n  when  I'm  crown'd  c\ 
As  low  as  death  when  living  high  d, 
Nor  fhal!  I  live,   yet  cannot  die  e. 

For  all  my  fins  my  heart  is  lad, 

Since  God's  difhonour'd/J  yet  I'm  glad, 


Find  it.  Mark  s.  29.  pp.  And  Jems  anfwcred  and  fa  Id, 
Verily  I  fay  unto  you,  There  is  no  man  that  hath  left 
home,  or  brethren,  or  fillers,  or  fattier,  or  mother,  or 
•wife,  or  <:  .    .       •  lands  for  my  fake  and  the  gofpeVs, 

but  he  mall  receive  an  hundred-fold  now  in  this  time, 
houfes,  and  orethrer;,  and  filters,  and  mother?,  and  chit 
cre-i,  and  ianri*,  v?v;:i  persecutions ;  and  in  the  world  to 
come  eternal  life. 

h  Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who 
(hall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death!  I  thank 
God,  through  Je  lis  Ch"iit  our  Lord. 

'■  Tjji  'tyj  Job  ::lii.  5,  6.  I  have  heard  of  thee 

by  hearing  of  the   ear :    but  now  mine  eye  feeth  thee. 
Wherefore   I   achor   myielf,     and  repent  in    duft    and 
•  afnes.     E-:ek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayevt  remember  arid 

be  confounded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  be- 
canfe  of  thy  ihame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for 
all  that  thou  baft  done,  faith  the  Lord  G 

d  2  Cor.  vi.  9 — as  dying,  and  behold,  we  live. 

e  Ileb.  ix.  27.  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die. 
John  v.  24.  Verily,  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  He  that  hear- 
ethmyword,  and  belie  veth  on  him  that  fent  me,  hath 
everlafring  life,  and  mail  not  come  into  condemnation  ; 
but  ii  paifed  from  death  unto  life.  Chap.  vi.  -p-  And 
this  is  the  will  of  him  that  fent  me,  that  every  ceo 
that  feeth  the  Son,  end  believe  ,h  on  him,  may  have 
everlafting  life.  v.  50,  51.  This  is  the  bread  which  Com- 
eth down  from  heaven,  that  a  man  may"  cat  thereof,  and 
not  die.  I  am  the  living  bread  which  came  down  frern 
heaven;  if  any  man  eat  of  this  bread,  he  fnall  live  for 
ever:  and  the  bread  that  I  will  give,  is  my  £eih,  which 
I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the  world. 

/  Pfai.  ii.  4.  Againft  thee,  thee  only  hare  I  finned,  r 
done  this  evil  in  thy  light, 

- 


J>e<fL  III. 


Tie  Believer' }s  Riddle. 


177 


Though  once  I  was  a  Have  to  fin  g, 
Since  God  docs  therebv  honour  win  h* 

My  fin?  are  ever  in  his  eye  /, 

Yet  he  beholds  no  fin  in  me  k\ 

T I  is  mind  that  keeps  them  all  in  ft  ore. 

Will  yet  remember  them  no  more  /. 

Secaufe  my  fins  are  great,  I  feel 
Great  fears  of  heavy  wrath  ??:  ;  yet  (till 

g  Rom.  vi.  17.  But  God  be  thanked,  that  ye  were  the 
fen  ants  of  fin,  but  ye  have  obeyed  from  tie  heart  that 
hid  of  doctrine  which  was  delivered  unto  you. 
h  Ifa.  xii.  24.  Sing,  O  ye  heaven-;;  for  the  Lord  hath 
done  it:  ihou",  ye  lower  parts  of  the  earth:  break  forth 
into  finging,  ye  mountains,  O  forefts,  and  every  tree 
therein  :  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  Rip- 
rifled  hi mfelf  in  Ihael.  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praile  of  the 
glory  of  his  grace,  v.  12,  Tnat  we  mould  be  to  the 
praife  of  his  glory. 

/  Rev.  xii-  I.  I  know  thy  work",  that  thou  ha*l  a  name 
that  thou  livell,  and  art  dead,  v,  15.  I  knew  thy  works, 
that  thou  art  .er  cold  nor  hot. 

k  Numb,  xxiii.  21.  Kc  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in  Ja- 
cob, neither  hath  he  feen  perverfenefs  in  Ifael.     Song 
.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is  no  fpot  in  thee. 
Eztk.  xvi.    14.  And  thy  renown  went  forth  among  the 
Heathen  for  lUty;  for  it  was  perfect  through  my 

comelinefs  which  I  had  put  upon  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God. 
/  Ifa.  xliil.  25.  I,  even  I  am  he  that  blatteth  out  thy 
t  ran  fgre  incus  for  mine  own  fake,  and  will  not  remember 
thy  hns.  }er.  xxxi.  3 i-  *  w*^  forgive  their  iniquity,  and 
I  will  remember  their  fin  no  ip  Hob.  viii.  12.  I  will 

merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefr,  and  their  fins  and 
their  iniquities  will  I  remember,  no  more. 

vi  Ezra  ix.  P„  14.  And  after  ail  that  is  come  upon  us 
for  our  evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trefpafi,  feeing  that 
thou  our  God  hath  punifned  us  Ie:s  than  our  iniquities 
defcrve,  and  bait  given  us  fuch  deliverance  as  this,  mould 
we  again  break  thy  commandments,  and  join  in  affinity 
with  the  people  of  thefe  abi-  tions  ?  wouldft  not  thou  be 

angry  with  us  till  thou  hadft  confuined  us,  fo  tn-at  there 


,         178.  Gospel    Sonnets.  Part  III. 

For  mercy  feek,  for  pardon  waitt 
Becaule  my  (ins  are  very  great  n, 

I  hope  when  plung'd  into  defpair  0, 
I  tremble  when  I  have  no  fear/>. 
Pardons  difpels  my  grief  and  fears  q> 
And  yet  diffolve  my  heart  in  teajs  r. 

ihould  be  no  remnant  nor  escaping?  Pfal.  xxxviii.  1.  O 
Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath;  neither  chaften  me  in 
thy  hot  difpleafure. 

n  Pfal.  xxv.  1 1.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  pardon 
mine  iniquity  ;  for  it  is  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  O  Lord,  tho* 
our  iniquities  teftify  againit.  us,  do  thou  it  for  thy  name's 
fake  :  for  cur  backflidings  are  many,  we  have  finned  a- 
gainit  thee. 

0  Rom.  'iv.  18.  Who  [Abraham]  againft  hope  believed 
in  hope.  2  Cor.  1.  8,  9.  For  we  would  not,  brethren, 
have  you  ignorar.t  of  bur  trouble  which  came  to  us  in  A- 
fia,  that  we  were  pre  fled  out  of  meafure,  above  ftrength, 
infomuch  that  we  deipaired  even  of  life  :  but  we  had  the 
fentence  of  death  in  ourfelves,  that  we  fhould  not  truft 
in  ourselves,  but  in  God  which  raifeth  the  dead. 
1  p  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  a^ye  have  al- 

ways obeyed,  not  as  in  my  pre  fence  only,  but  now  much 
more  in  my  ab fence  \  work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
fear  and  trembling.  '  Luke  i.  74.  That  he  would  grant 
unto  us,  that  we  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  cur 
enemies,  night  ferve  him  without  fear. 

q  Matth.  ix.  2.  Jefus  faid  unto  the  fick  of  the  palfy, 
Son,  be  cf  good  cheer,  thy  f  ns  be  forgiven  thee. 

r  Ezek.  xxxvi.  25,  26.  Then  will  I  fprinkle  clean  wa- 
ter upon  yon,  and  ye  fhall  be  clean  :  from  all  your  fil- 
thinefs,  and  from  all  your  idols  will  I  cleanfe  you.  A  nev; 
heart  alfo  will  I  give  you,  and  a  nev/  fpirit  will  I  put 
within  you7  and  I  will  take  away  the  itony  heart  out  of 
your  fleih,  and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  nelh.  v.  31. 
Then  ihall  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways,  and  your  do- 
ings that  were  nGt  good,  and  ihall  loath  yourfelves  in  your 
own  fight  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your  abominations. 
Chap.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayeft  remember  and  be  con- 
founded, and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  c: 


ft.   IV.  The  BtlievJr's   Riddle.  179 


SECT.     IV. 

Myfteries  in  f.iit'/s  extraction",  way  and  walk,  prayers 
and  anfwers,  heighths  and  depths,  fear  and  love. 

W  IT  II  wafps  and  bees  my  bnfy  bill 
Sucks  ill  from  good,  and  g'>cd  from  ill  a: 
Humil'ty  makes  my  pride  to  grow, 
And  pride  afpiring  lays  me  low  b* 


:ne,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee  for  all  that 

011  haft  done,  faith  the  Lord  Gcd. 

j  Rom.  ii.  4.  Or  derpi  eft  thou  the  riches  of  his  good- 
nefs,  and  forbearance,  ar.d  long-uiiTering  :  r.ot  knowing 
that  the  goodness  of  God  leadeth  to  repentance?  Chap. 
vi.  1,  2.  What  fhi'.ll  we  fay  then?  fhall  we  continue  in 
f.n,  that  grace  may  abound?  Gcd  forbid:  how  fhall  we 
*  1 1  at  are  dead  to. fin  live  any  longer  therein?  v.  15.  What 

211?  fhall  we  fin,  becau'e  we  are  not  under  the  law,  but 
under  grace?  Gcd  forbid.  Chap.  viii.  28.  And  we  know- 
that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love 
God,   vj  them  whjb  are  the   called  according  to  his-pur- 

fc.  Phil.  i.  J  2.  But  I  would  ye  fhould  underftand, 
brethren,  that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me,  have 
fallen  out  unto  the  furtherance  of  the  go'pei.  Pfal.  cxix. 
71.  Ic  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  beep  -frlivfted ;  that  I 
might  learn  thy  ftatute:. 

b  2  Cor.  xii.  17.  And  left  I  Jlnould  be  exalted  above 
me afu re,  through  the  abundance  of  the  revelations,  there 
was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  f.elh,  the  meilenger  oi*  Sa- 
tan to  buffet  me,  left  I  fnould  be  exalted  above  me.a'iire. 
Prov.  xxix.  23.  A  mar/.;  pride  fhall  bring  him  low  :  but 
honour  fhali  uphold  the  humble  fpirit. — 2  Crvron.  xxxii. 
26.  Hezekiah  humbled  himfeif  for  the  pride  of  his.  heart, 
(both  he  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem),  fo  that  the 
wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the  dsys  of  He-. 
zekiah. 


8o 


Gospel  Sonnets. 


Part  III. 


My  (landing  docs  my  fall  procure  c, 
My  failing  makes  me  ftancl  more  fure  d. 
My  poifon  does  my  phyfic  prove  e} 
My  enmity  provokes  my  love/I 

My  poverty  infers  my  wealthy, 
My  ficknefs  i/Tues  in  my  health  /; ; 


c  Pfal.  xxx.  6,  7.  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,  I  &all 
never  be  moved.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft  mace 
my  mountain  to  ftamd  itrong :  thon  didfi:  hide  thy  face 5 
una  I  was  troubled.  .•  ;  • 

d  Prov.  xxiv.  16.  For  a  juft  man  falieth  fevcn  time', 
tmd  rifeth  np  again.  Pfal.  ::xxvii.  24.  Though  he  fall, 
he  fnall  not  utterly  be  caft  down ;  for  the  Lord  upholdeth 
him.  with  his  hand. 

e  2  Cor.  xli.    7,  8.  And  leu  I  mould  be  exalted  abo 
meafure,  through  the  abundance  cf  the  revelations.,  there 
was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  nefh,  the  metiehger  cf  E 
tan  to  buffet  me,  teft  1  mould  be  exalted  Shove  meafw 
For  this  thing  1  befo light  the  Lord  thrice,  that  it  might  de- 
part from  me.   Ifa.  xxvii.  8,  9.  It:  meafurc  -when  it  (hoot- 
cth  forth,  thou  wilt  debate  with it;    '  -.thhisrou 

wind  in  the  day  of  hi-,  tail- wind.        y  this  therefore 
the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  t'  all  fc&e  fniit 

to  take  away  his  fin. 

f  Gal.  v.  27.  The  ueHi  lufteth  againft  the  Spirit,  arr; 
the   Spirit  againft   the   fefu.      v.  24.  AvA  tht-  tre 

Ohrih/s,  have  crucified  the  flefh,   with  the  aiie 
lufts, 

g  Rev.  ii.  9.' I  know,  thy  poverty?  hut  then  att  r:ch. 
2  Ccr.  vi.  10. — >as  having  nothing,  and   •  et  ph 
things.  . 

b  Matth.  ix.  12.  They  that  be  whole  need  not  r  plivft- 
cian,  but  they  that  are  fck.  Ifa.  lvii.  17,  i3.  For  the 
•iniquity  of  his  covetoumefs  ktffk  I  wroth  and  fmote  him  •* 
I  hid  me  and  was  wroth,  and  lie  went  on  frowardly  in 
the  way  of  his  heart.  I  have  (^en  his  ways,  and  will 
heal  him  :  I  Will  lead  him  alio,  and  rcftcre  comfort:  unto 
him,  and  to  his  mourner*.         .     . 


fi.   i:  hi  Bel'tevfr'i    Ri  s8l 

My  hard         tends  to  make  me  i'  Tt  f, 
And  killing  ll  do  cure  me  ufi  ^. 

While  high  attainments  cafl:  me  down, 
TUv  deci)  abatements  raife  me  Toon  /: 
IMy  bell  things  lift  have  evil  brood  *;/, 
My  word  things  VvTork  my  greaieit  good  ;.\ 

Ife.  Ixiii.  I?.  O  lord,  why  baft  tiion  made  u-  J'c  err 
thy  ways?  and  hardened  leartfiom  thy  fear' 

"  turn  for  trry  .  at* a  fake,  the   tribes  of  e   inhe- 

ritance. 

4  2  Cor.  i.  o.  But  we  hid  the  fehtence  of  deal  nr- 

ve>,  that  we  fhould  net  tr  klyes,  bnt  in  God, 

ich  raifeth  the  dead.     H  >C  v.  1  5.  I  will  fro  $md  return 

v-  place,  till  thpv  acknofl  their  offence,  and  ieek 

(eek  me  early,   fchap. 
I  let  rs  return  Lord  ;  for  !  e 

torn,  and   he  will  heal  ur ;   he  I  ittert.  ana  he  will 

bjod  ur.  up. 

/  :  Pel  jetrVone  to  another, Vahd' be  clothed 

with  humility  5   tor  God  ref.fietb   the  proucf,  and  giVeth 
grace  to  the  1  ;.mb!e.    Humble  *  fore  uxui 

the   might  f  God,  tbathe  may  exalt  v 

time.     P:al  o:vi.  6.  I  was  brought  I  1  d  he  helped 

a. 

/a;  Pfal-  xxx.  6,  7.  And  in  my  pro  (aid,  I  lhall 

never  be  moved.     Lord,  by  tv  ir  thou  haft  mad$ 

ray  mountain  t<  ftrocg:  t':  bide  th?  face, 

ancf  I  was- troubled-     Deut.  xxxii.  :.;.  15.  Butter  o£  h  re, 
d  milk  of  fheep,  with  tat  cf  iamb:   and   fpjfis  of  the 
.  d  t :"  ]  he   fat  of  I  idnevs   cf 

didft  drink  the  pine  bic    d     f    '  e  gra^i 
at  Jef        in  waxed  fat,  and  kicked;   thou  art  v/w    ■ 
u  art  grown  thick,  thou  Sft  covered  wif 
'hen  he  fbrfook  the  God  which  made  him,  and  3:  %    .'."  ev- 
fleemed  the  rock  of  1  i:   fafvatfoo.         al-  cvi 
triers  understood  not  thv  wonders  in  JEpvpt.  the-  rcrocni- 
bered  not  the  multitude  of  thy  mercie:,   bi 
him  at  the  (ea,  even  at  the  Red-:" 

;;  Pfal.  xx.  1 1.  Thou  haft  turned  for  r: 
into  dar  :  thou  baft  put  off  my  fa'ckclotf?,   and  glided 

ine  wit! 


i8a 


uospel    Sonnets. 


Part  HI. 

My  inward  foes  that  me  alarm, 
Breed  me  much  hurt,  yet  little  harm  o. 
I  get  no  good  by  them  *,  yet  Tee 
To  my  chief  good  they  caufe  me  flee/'. 

They  reach  to  me  a  deadly  ftroke  q> 
Yet  lend  me  to  a  living  rock  r. 
They  make  me  long  for  Canaan's  banks  sx 
Yet  fure  I  owe  them  little  thanks. 


0-  Jer.  x.  19.  Y/o  is  me  for  rny  hurt,  my  wound  is  griev- 
ous 1  but  I  faidj  Truly  this  is  my  grief,  and  I  muit  bear 
It.  1  Pet.  iii.  13.  And  who  is  he  that  will  harm  you;  if 
ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good? 

*  viz.  in  lodmfelveSy  but.  mug})  evil%  1  Fet.  ii.  ii.  Dear- 
ly beloved,  I  befeech  you  as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims,  ab- 
ftain  from  flelhly  lults,  which  war  againft  the  foul.  James 
i.  14,  15-  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  drawi) 
away  by  his  own  lull,  and  .enticed.  TL^u  when  luft 
hath  conceived,  it  bringth  forth  fin;  and  fin,  when  it  is 
fhiijhecL  bringeth  forth  death. 

p  Pfal.  cxliii.  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  e- 
nemies  :  I  ilee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

q  Rom.  viii.  13.  If  ye  live  after  the  flefh,  ye  lhall  die. 

r  Pfal.  xviii.  46,  47.  The  Lord  liveth,  and  bleued  be 
my  rock  :  and  let  the  God  of  my  falvatiqsa  be  exalted-  I-: 
is  God  that  avenge  th  me,  and  fubdueth  the  people  under 
rue. 

v  j-  Pfal.  lv.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a 
dove  !  for  then  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  reil.  And 
cxx.  5.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  ibjourn  in  Mefech,  that  I  dwell 
in  tents  of  Kedar.  Rom.  viii-  2? — 23.  For  the  creature 
was  made  fubject  to  vanity,  not  willingly,  but  oy  realon 
of  him  who  iubje-fted  the  fame  in  hope:  be  caufe  the 
creature  itfelf  alfo  fliall.be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of 
corruption,  into  the  glorious  liberty  of-  the  children  ot 
God.  For  we  know  the  whole  creation  groaneth,  and 
travelleth  in  pain  together  until  now  :  and  not  only  they, 
but  ourfelves  alfo,  which  have  the  firft- fruits  of  the  Spi- 
rit, even  we  ourlelyes  groan  withia  ourfelves,  waiting 
For  the  adoption,  to  writ,  the  redemption  of  our  be d 


Se<ft.   III.  The  Believer  s   Riddle.  j3j 

1  travel  t,  yet  (land  firm  and  fail  a; 
1  run  v,  but  yet  I  make  no  hafte  no. 
I  take  a  way  both  old  and  new  x, 
Within  my  fight^y,  yet  out  of  view  z. 
My  way  directs  me  in  the  way  a. 
And  will  not  fuffer  me  to  ftray  b ; 
Though  high  and  out  of  fight  it  be, 
I'm  in  the  way,  the  way's  in  me  c. 

t  Heb.  xi.  I  ^. — and  confeiTed  that  they  were  ftrarr?; 
and  pilgrims  on  the  earth. 

u  1  Cor.  xvi.  13.  Watch  ye,  ftand  foft  in  the  faith; 
quit  you  like  men,  be  ftrqng. 

v  Heb.  xii.  1.  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is 
fet  before  11 r.. 

-w  I  fa.  xxviii.  16.  He  t^at  believeth  fnall  not  make  hafte. 

x  Jer.  vi-  16.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  vStand  ye  in  the 
ways  and  fee,  and  afk  for  the  old  paths,  where  is  the 
good  way,  and  walk  therein,  and  ye  fhall  find  reft  for  your 
fouls.  Heb.  x.  19,  20.  Having  therefore,  brethren,  bokl- 
nefs  to  enter  into  the  holieft  by  the  blood  of  Jems,  by  a 
new  and  living  way,  which,  he  hath  confeerated  for  us, 
through  the  vail,  that  is  to  fay,  hh  fleih. 

y  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  For  we  now  fee  through  aglafs,  dark- 
ly ;  but  then  face  to  fac2  :  now  I  know  in  part ;  but  then 
fhall  I  know  even  as  I  alio  am  known. 

z  John  xvi.  10.  I  go  to  my  Father  and  ye  fee  me  no 
more. 

a  John  xiv.  6.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way : — no 
man  coineth  unto  the  Father,  but  by  inc. 

b  Ifa.  xlii.  16.  And  I  will  brinq;  the  blind  bv  a  wav  that 
they  know  not;  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have 
not  known  :  I  will  make  dafjenefs  light  before  them,  and 
crooked  things  ftraight.  Thefe  things  will  I  do  unto  them, 
and  not  forfake  them.  Chap.  v.  4.  Behold  I  have  given 
him  to  be  a  leader  and.  commander  to  the  people. 

c  Ifa.  xxxv.  8.  And  an  high- way  ihall  be  there,  and  a 
way,  and  it  fhall  be  called  the  way  of  holineft ;  the  uti  - 
clean  mall  not  pals  over  it,  but  it  fnall  be  for  thofc: 
the  wayfaring  men,  though  foolr,  fhall  not  err  therein. 
John  xv.  id.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  Chap,  xvii.  23. 
I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made  perfect 


' 


184  Gospel    Sonnet  s.         Part  III. 

'Tis  ftraight  d,  yet  full  of  heights  and  depihs  e  ; 
I  keep  the  way/^   the  ways  trie  keeps  g. 
And  being  that  to  which  I  tend, 
My  very  way's  rny  journey's  end  r. 
When  Vva  in  company  I  groan, 
Becaufe  I  then  am  moil  alone  /  ; 

in  one,  and  that  the  world  may  know  that  thou  haft  fent 
me,  and  haft  loved  them,  a-  then  haft  loved  me.  v,  26. 
And  I  have  declared  unto  them  thy  name,  and  will  de- 
-  are  it:  that  the  love  Wherewith  thou  haft  loved  Hie, 
may  he  in  them,  and  I  in  them. 

fTMatth.  iih   3.  This  is  he  that  was  fpoken  of  by  the 

apuet  Efaias,  faying,  The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the 
wilaerneft,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make  his 
paths  flraisht. 

c  Ifa.  xb  3,  4-  The   voice   of  him  that  c  in   the 

wiidernefs,    Prepare   ye   the   way   of  the    Lord,    rake 
ftroight  in  the  depart  a  highway  for  our  Ccd.    T  val- 

ley (hall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and 
made  low  :  :  ::d  the  crooked  (hall  be  made  h  and 

the  rough  ptaces  plain.    Chap.  xiji.  16.  Sej  .'.  '  .   Pfal. 

Ixxvii   13-   Thy  Way,  O  God,  is  in  the  : an 8  9. 

Thy  way  is  in  the  fea,  and  thy  path  in  the  great  waters, 
and  thy  foetfteps  are  not  known. 

/  Pfal.  xxxvii.  34-  Wait  on  the  Lord,  an. 
Way,  and  he  fiiall  exalt  th.ee  to  inherit  the  land. 

1  Pial.  cyxi.  2  4.  He  will  hot  fuffer  thv  foot  to  "ne  mo  - 
ea-  he  that  keepeth  thee  will  net  ilumhe:.  Behold,  !  e 
that  keepeth  Ifrael,  xhall  neither  dumber  nor  Jleep. 

h  Keb.   y}A.'  22,   23,  24.  But  ye  are  come  unto  mount 
Sion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,   the  heave: 
Jerusalem,  and  to  on  innumerable    company  of  angels, 
to  the  general  aflemblv  and  church  of  the  :  -ch 

are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  Gcd  the  judge  of  all,  and 
to  the  fpirits  of  juft  men  made  perfeC  ft  to  Jefus  the 

?  Iediator  cf  the  nev,-  covenant,  and  to  thejalocd  of  fprirk- 
ling,  tli at  fpeaketh  better  things  than  the  blood  of  Abel. 
1  Them*   iv.  1  7.  Then  v;e  which  are   alive  and  remain, 

.all  be  caught  up  together  With  them  in  the  clouds,  ta 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air:  and  fo  mall  we  be  ever  with 
the  Lord. 

-;  Song  i.  3.  Tell   me*   C  tliou  whom  my  foul  leveth, 


I.  IV.  The  BeilfOir'*  RUdfe.  \ 

Ycr  in  my  clofeft  fecrecy, 
I'm  iovful  in  my  company  k. 

I'm  beard  afar  J,  without  a  nc 
I  cry  without  a  lifted  voice  ?;,- ; 
Still  moving  in  devotion's  fpbere  «, 
Yet  feldom  itcadv  perfevere  0. 

I'm  heard  when  anivi  er'd  fooh  or  lata/  ; 
And  heard  when  I  no  anftver  apt  q  ; 


where  then  feedafr,  where  thou  makel  thy  Sock  to  reft 
at  noon  :  for  why  fhculd  I  be  as  one  that  turneth  afide  by 
the  flocks  cf  thy  companions? 

k  Song  vii.  n?  12.  Come  my  beloved,  let  us  go  forth 
into  the  field,  let  us  lodge  in  the  villages.  Let  us  get  up 
early  to  the  vineyards,  let  us  fee  if  the  vine  flourish, 
whether  the  tender  grape  appear,  and  the  pomegranates 
bud  forth :  for  then?  will  I  give  thee  my  loves. 

I  Pfal.  ;-.x.  6.  Nov/  know  I,  that  the  Lord  faveth  his  a- 
nointed  :  he  will  hear  him  from  his  holv  heaven,  with  the 
faving  ftrehgth  of  his  right  hand. 

m  i  Sam.  i.  13,  r ^,  1 5.  No-"  Hannah,  (he  fpake  in  her 
hearty  only  her  lip-  moved,  |  :  voice  was  not  heard  t 

therefore  £li  thought  fhe  had  been  drunken,  And  Eli 
laid  unto  her,  How  long  wilt  thou  be  drunken?  put  away 
thy  wine  from  thee.  And  Hannah  anfwered  and  laid. 
No,  mv  Lord,  I  am  a  woman  cf  a  rcrrowful  fpirit;  i 
have  drunken  neither  wine  no-  frrong  drink,  but  have 
poured  out  my  foil  before  the  Lord. 

»  1  ^     .    .  v.  \~j.   Pray  without  cea 

0  I  -i.4.  Oljohn  what  ft  all  "I  dp  unto  thee? 
0  Judah,  what  -all  I  do  unto   thee?   for  your  gbodne's 

as  fcmoTrrmg-'cIoted,  and  as  the  early  dew  it  gocth  awa 

P  !■&■  s  T  lus  fa;  e  Lord,  in   an   accep^abje 

time  have  I  heard  thee,  and  in  a  day  cf  fajvation  have  I 
r -:-lped  thee. 

.  7  MattJ*.  xxvi.  39.  Andjefus  ~ert  alitzle  farther,  and 
fell  on  his  face,  and -prayed,  faying,  O  my  Father,  if  it 
he  poflible,  let  this  cv.p  pafs  from  me  :  ceverthelefs,  not 

as  I  wil!,  but  as  thou  wilt. 


i'S6  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

Yea,  kindly  anfwei'd,  when  refus'c!  r, 
And  friendly  treat  when  harfhly  us'd  /. 

My  fervent  pray'rs  ne'er  did  prevail  r. 
Nor  e'er  of  pre  valency  fail  /. 


r  Pfal.  xxii.  I,  2,  3.  My  God,  my  God,  why  hafl  thou 
forfaken  me?  why  art  fo  far  from  helping  me,  and  from 
the  words  of  my  roaring  \  O  my  God,  I  cry  in  the  day- 
time, but  thou  heareft  not ;  and  in  the  night  feafon,  and 
am  not  filent.  But  thou  art  holy?  O  thou  that  inhabiteit 
the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 

/  Heb.  xii.  5,  6,  7,  8.  9,  10.  And  ye  have  forgotten  the 
exhortation  which  fpeaketh  unto  you  as  children,  My 
fon,  defpife   not  the  chastening  of  the  Lord,  nor  faint 
when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him.    For  whom  the  Lordlov- 
eth  he  chafteneth,  and  fcouvgeth  every  for,  whom  he  re- 
ceive :h.     If  ye  endure  chailening,  God  dealeth  with  you 
as  with  fons ;  for  what  Ton  is  he  whom  the  father  chaften- 
eth  not?  But  if  ye  be  without  chaftirement,  whereof  all  are 
partakers,   then  are  ye  baftards,  and  not  fons.     Further- 
more, we  have  have  had  fathers  of  our  f3efh,  which  cor- 
rected us,  and  we  gave  them  reverence:  fnaH  we  not 
much  rather  be  in  fubjeftion  to  the  Father  of  fpirits,  and 
live?   For  thev  verily  for  a  few  d?.vs  chaftened  us  after 
their  own  pleasure  ;  but  he  for  our  profit,  that  we  might 
be  partakers  of  his  holinefs. 

s  Dan.  hC  18,  19,  O  my  God,  incline  thine  ear  and 
hear;  open  thine  eyes,  and  behold  our  defolatio.ns,  and 
the  city  which  is  called  by  thy  name  :  for  we  do  not  pre- 
fent  our  fupplications  before  thee  for  our  righteoufnefs, 
but  for  thy  great  mercies.  O  Lord,  hear;  O  Lord,  for- 
give ;  O  Lordv  hearken  and  do;  defer  not,  for  thine  own 
fake,  O  my  God  :  for  thy  city,  and  thy  people  are  calle4 
by  thy  name. 

t  James  v.  16.  The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  righ- 
teous man  availeth  much. 


SeA.  IV.  The  Believer's   Ri<L)le. 

I  wreflle  till  my  ftrerigth  be  fpent  n, 

Yet  yield  when  ftronnr  recruits  are  (cat  v* 

I  hngnifh  for  my  Hnflband's  charms  iv, 
Yet  faint  away  when  in  his  arms  x. 
My  fweetell  health  doth  ficknefs  prove ; 
When  love  me  heals,  I'm  fick  cf  love^. 

I  am  mod   merry  when  I'm  fad  z  ; 
Moft  full  of  forrow  when  I'm  glad  a  ; 


187 


Gen.  xxxii.  24,  25.  And  Jacob  was  left  alone :  and 
there  wreftled  a  man  with  him  until  the  breaking  of  the 
day.  And  when  he  faw  that  he  prevailed  not  againft  him, 
he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh:  and  the  hollow  of  Ja- 
cob's thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he  wreftled  with  him. 

v  Pfal.  exxxviii.  3.  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  an- 
fweredft  me  :  and  ftrengthenedft  me  with  itrength  in  my 
foul.  Gen.  xviii.  32,  33.  And  he  faid,  Oh  let  not  the 
4-ord  be  angry,  and  I  will  fpeak  but  this  once  :  Perad- 
venture  ten  fhall  be  found  there.  And  the  Lord  went 
pis  way,  as  foon  as  he  had  left  communing  with  Abra- 
ham :  And  Abraham  returned  unto  his  place. 

tp  Pfal.  lxiii.  2.  My  flefli  longeth  to  fee  thy  power  and 
thy  glory,  fo  as  I  have  feen  thee  in  the  anctuary.  And 
xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the  Lord,  that  will 
I  feek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord 
all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord, 
and  to  enquire  in  his  temple. 

x  Rev.  i.  17.  And  when  I  faw  him,  I  fell  at  his  feet 
as  dead  :  and  he  laid  his  right  hand  upon  me,  faying  un- 
to me,  Fear  not ;  I  am  the  firft,  and  the  lafb 

V  Song  ii.  4,  5.  Ke  brought  me  into  the  banqueting- 
hou'e,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Stay  me  with 
flagons,  comfort  me  with  apples :  for  I  am  fick  of  love. 

z  1  Cor.  vii.  13.  For  godly  forrow  worketh  repentance 
unto  falvation  not  to  be  repented  of.  Eccl.  vii.  3.  Sorrow 
U  better  than  laughter  ;  for  by  the  fadnefs  cf  the  counte- 
nance the  heart  is  made  better. 

a  Prov.  xvi.  13.  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is  forrow 
ful:  and  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heavinefs. 


iSS  Gosrr.L   Sonnets. 

[oft  precious  when  I'm  moft  vile  b, 

And  mod  at  home  when  in  exile  c. 


Part 


TT  T 
111. 


My  bife  :     I  honourable  birrh 
Excites  my  mourning  ?.nd  my  mirth 

b  Job  xl.  4.  Behold,  I  am  vile,  what  Ihatl  I  an.Ver 
thee?  I   v; ill  la;  e  hand  upon  my  mouth.    Chap.  xlii. 

5,  6.  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear;  but 
now  mine  eye  leeth  thee.  Wherefore  I  abhor  myfelf,  and 
repent  in  dnft  ?.nd  afhes.  Jer.  sxxi.  18,  19,  2D.  I  have 
furely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning  himfelf  thus,  Thou  baft 
chaltifed  me,  and  I  was  chaftifed,  as  a  bullock  unaccuf- 
tomed  to  the  yoke  :  turn  thou  me,  and  I  mall  be  turned  ; 
for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.  Surely  after  that  I  Ifas 
turned,  I  reper/cco:  and  after  that  I  v.  as  inftrucled,  I 
(mote  upon  my  thigh  1  I  was  afnamed,  yea,  even  confound- 
ed, becaufe  I  did  bear  the  reproach  cf  my  youth.  Is  E- 
phratm  my  dear  fon?  Is  he  a  pleasant  child:  for  fnce  I 
{pake  againft  him.  I  do  earnestly  lemember  him  ft: 
th£r*#bre  my  bowels  are  troubled  for  him ;  I  will  rarely 
have  mercy  upon  him:   faith  the  Lord. 

c  Ezck.  i.  1.  Not  it  came  to  pais  in  the  thin  year, 

in  fte  fourth  month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,   (as  I 
was  among  the  captive"  by  the  river  of  CI  I,  that  tne 

heavens  were  opened,  and  I  lav  vifions  cf  Gor\.     Rev.  i. 
to.  I  John,  whoalfoam  your  brother  and  companion 
in  tribulation,  and  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Je- 
fus  C     i    ,  was  in  the  i    2  that  is  railed  Patmos,  for  the 
\  of  God,  and  for  the  fcefHmbny  of  Jems  Chriit.     I 

Vi  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  heard  behind  me 
a  £reat  voice,  as  of  a  trumpet.   &re.      John  xvi.  32.  Be- 

»Id,  the  hour  eometh,  yea,  is  now  come,  that  ye  fhall 
ue  fcattered  every  man  to  hi 5  own,  ana  -  me 

alone  :  and  yet  I  am  not   alone,  ufe   K:e  Father  i: 

-vita  me. 

d  Ezek.  xv i.  3,  £  Tfcns  t  e  Lord  G  nto   Te- 

nrfalem,  Thy  birth  and  thy  nativ:  of  the  land  of  Ca- 

naan ;   thy  father  was  an   Amorlte,  and  thy  .         er  an 
Hittite.     And  as  for  thy  nativity  in  the  day  that  thou 

alt  born,  thy  navel  was  not  cut,  neither  wall  thoa  wafh- 

I  in  water  to  Ripple  thee:  thon  waft  not  fried  at  all, 
noriv.a  at  all"     J^'-m  i.  13.  Which  was^wrti  not  of 

Dod,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  Mem,  nor  of  t  ill  of  ma 


SeSt.  l\ 


7c 


?g  JJu'fover'j  Riddle* 


189 


I'm  poor,  yet  itock'd  with  untold  rent  e ; 

Mult  weak,  and  yet  omnipotent/! 

On  earth  there's  none  ib  great  and  high  g, 

Nor  yet  lb  low  and  mean  £9  I  .6; 

None  or  fo  fopiiih  /,  or  fo  wife  t  ; 

So  often  fall,  fo  often  rife  /. 

but  of*  God. — Pfal.  li.  5.  Behold,  I  was  fhapen  in  iniquity: 
and  in  fin  did  my  mother  conceive  me.  2  Pet.  L  3.  Blef- 
icd  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  jefus  Chrifc,  which 
according;  to  his  abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again 
unto  a  lively  hope,  by  the  rcfurredion  of  Jefus  Chrift 
from  the  dead. 

c-  Rev.  Hi.  17.  Becaufe  thou  fayeft,  I  am  rich,  and  in- 
creared  with  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing ;  and 
knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  miferable,  and 
poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  I  counfel  thee  to  buy  or" 
me  gold  tried  in  the  lire,  that  thou  mayeit  be  rich;  ai 
white  raiment,  that  thou  mayefibe  clothed,  and  that'the 
fhame  of  thy  nakednefs  do  not  appear;  and  anoint  thine 
eves  with  eye-falve,  that  thou  mayeft  lee.  Eph.  iii.  8. 
Unto  me  who  am  left  than  the  leafr.  of  all  faints,  is  this 
grace  given,  that  I  fhould  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the 
unfearchable  riches  of  Chrift. 

/  John  Xv'.  5.  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.  Phil* 
iv.  13. 1  can  do  all  things,  through  Chrift  that  ftrengthen- 
eth  me. 

g  Pfai.  xvi.  3.  But  to  the  flints  that'are  in  the  earth, 
and  tu  the  excellent  in  whom  is  all  my  delight.  I:a.  xliii. 
4-  Since  thou  waft  precious  in  my  light,  then  haft  been 
honourable,  and  I  have  loved  thee  :  therefore  will  I  gi\  e 
men  irov  thee,  and  people  for  thy  life. 

/;  Eph.  iii.  S.  See  letter  e.  I  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a 
faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift 
Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  lave  finhers  ;  of  whom  I  am 
chief. 

/  Pfal.  Ixxiii.  22.  So  foolifh  was  I,  and  ignorant:  I  was 
as  a  beair  before  thee,  fcrov.  kxx.  a,  '3.  Surely  I  am 
more  brutifu  than  any  man,  and  have  not  the  underftfend- 
ing  of  a  man.  I  neither  learned  wifdera,  nor  have  the 
knowledge  of  the  holv. 

S  1  C.:.  :.  3-).  But  o£  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who 
of  God  is  made  ante  v.z  m-i.-k*.     JVIatth.  :•;:.  25,  ?/j. 


190  Gospel    Sonnets.         Par:  III- 

I  feeing  him  I  never  faw  ;;*, 
Serve  without  fear,  and  yet  with  awe  ;;. 
Though  love,  when  perfect,  tear  remove  0  ; 
Yet  molt  I  tear  when  molt  1  love  p. 

All  things  are  lawful  unto  me  q> 
Yet  many  things  unlawful  be  r  ; 

At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid,  I  thank  thee,  O 
Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe  thou  haft 
hid  thefe  things  from  the  wife  and  prudent,  and  baft  re- 
vealed them  unto  babes.  Even  fo,  Father,  for  fo  it  feem- 
ed  good  in  thy  fight.  Chap.  xiii.  n.  Jefus  anfwered  and 
faid  unto  them,  Becaufe  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know  the 
myfteries  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  them  it  is 
not  given. 

/  Prov.  xxiv.  16.  A  juft  man  falleth  feven  times,  and 
rifeth  up  again. 

m   1   Pet.  i.   8.  Whom  having   not  feen,  ye   love;   in 

whom  tho'  now  ye  fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice 

with  joy  unfpeakable  aid  full  of  glory.  Heb.  xi.  1.  Now 

faith  is  the  fnbltance  of  things  hoped   £o:y  the  evidence 

p£  things  not  feen. 

.  n  Luke  i.  74.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,' that  we  bc- 
iug  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  might  ierve 
him  without  fear.  Heb.  xii.  28.  Wherefore  we  receivi 
a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace, 
whereby  we  may  ferve  God  acceptably,  with  reverence 
and  p;odlv  fea  r. 

0  i  Jonn  iv.  iS.  There  is  no  fear  in  love  ;  but  perfect 
love  £aibeth  out  fear,  becaufe  fear  hath  torment:  he 
that  feareth  is  not  made  perfect  in  love. 

p  Jer.  xxxiii.  9.  And  it  fhall  be  to  me  a  name  and  joy, 
a  praise  and  an  honour  before  all  the  nations  of  the  eartl^ 
which  iliall  hear  all  the  good  that  1  do  unto  them;  and 
they  fhall  fear  and  tremble  for  all  the  goodnefs,  and  for 
all  the  prosperity  that  I  procure  unto  it.  Hof.  iii.  5.  Af- 
terwards iliall  the  children  of  Ifrael  return,  and  feeh  the 
Lord  their  God,  and  David  their  king,  and  fhall  fear  the 
Lord,  and  his  goodnefs  in  the  latter  day:. 

q  1  Cor.  vi.  12.  All  things  are  lawful  unto  me,  but  all 
things  are  not  expedient:  all  things  arc  lawful  fur  me, 
but  I  will  not  be  brought  under' the  power  of  an  v. 

r  Exod.  xx.  1,  2,  3,  Sec.  And  God  fpahe  all  thefj  word-. 


Se#.   IV.  The  Believer's  RUJh.  !<>r 

To  fome  I  perfect  hatred  beary^ 
Yet  keep  the  lav/  of  love  entire  s : 

I'm  bound  to  love  my  friends  t>  but  yer 

I  fin  unlefi  I  do  them  hate  u  : 

I  am  oblig'd  to  hate  my  foes  v, 

Yet  bound  to  love  and  pray  for  thofe  at/. 

Heart-love  to  men  I'm  call'd  to  impart, 
Yet  God  ftill  calls  for  all  my  heart  x\ 
faying,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  v/hich  have  brought  thee 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage. 
Thou  fhalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me,  &c. 

/  Pfal.  exxxix.  21,  22.  Do  not  I  hate  them,   O  Lord, 

at  hate  thee  ?  and  am  not  I  grieved  with  thofe  that  rife 
up  againfr,  thee  \  I  hate  them  with  perfect  hatred  :  I  count 
them  mine  enemies. 

s  2  Chron.  xix.  2.  And  Jehu  the  fon  of  Hanani  the  feer, 
went  out  to  meet  him,  and  faid  to  king  Jehofhaphat, 
Shouldeft  thou  help  the  ungodly,  and  love  them  that  hate 
the  Lord  ?  therefore  is  wrath  come  upon  thee  from  before 
the  Lord. 

t  Lev.  xix.  1 8.  Thou  fhalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any 
grudge,  agninlt,  the  children  of  thy  people,  but  thou  fhalt 
love  thy  neighbour  as  thvfelf :  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God. 

it  Luke  xiv.  26.  If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate  not 
his  father,  and  motherland  wife,  and  children,  and  bre- 
thren, and  lifters,,  yea,  and  his  ovvn  life  alfo,  he  cannot 
be  my  difciple. 

v  As  thei  arc  the  foes  of  God,  Jadg.  v.  31.  So  let  all 
thine  enemies  pe'rifli,  O  Lord ;  but  let  them  that  love 
him,  be  as  the  fun  when  he  goeth  forth  in  his  might.  Pfal. 
xvii.  13,  14.  Ailfe,  O  Lord,  difappoint  him,  caft  him 
down:  deliver  m/  foul  from  the  wicked,  v/hich  is  thy 
fword;  from  men  which  are  thy  hand,  O  Lord,  from 
^nen  of  the  world,  which  have  their  portion  in  this  life, 
and  v/hofe  belly  thou  fUleft  with  thy  hid  treafure:  they 
are  full  of  children,  and  leave  the  reft  cf  tiicir  fubftauce' 
to  their  babes. 

id  Matth.  v.  44-  But  I  fay  unto  you,  love  your  ene- 
mies, blefs  them  that  curfe  you,  do  good  to  tnem  that 
hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  defpitefully  ufe  your 
and  perfecute  you. 

x  Matth.  xix.  19.  jfeiTu?  faid  unto  him,  Thou  flialt  love 


39-  Gospsl    Sonnets.         P#irx  III. 

1  do  him  and  his  fervice  both 

By  nature  love/,  by  nature  kit  he  2, 

S  E  C  T.     V. 

Myfteries  about  fleih  and  fpirit,  liberty  and  bondage, 
life  and  death. 

M  U  C  H  like  my  heart  both  falfe  and  true  a, 
I  inve  a  nan:e  both  old  and  new  b. 

thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf.  Chap.  xxii.  37.  Thou  (halt  love 
the  Lord  thv  God  wit-:  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
foul,  and  with  all  thy  mini. 

y  1  John  v.  2.  By  this  we  know  that  we  love  the  chil- 
dren of  God,  when  we  love  God  and  keep  hb  command- 
ments. 

z?._orn.  viii.  7.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  againft  Cod  : 
f or  it  is  not:  iuhjeJt  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed 
can  be.  Col.  i.  21.  And  >ou  that  were  lemstimes  alien- 
ated, and  enemies  in  your  mind  by  wicked  works,  yet 
now  hath  he  reconciled. 

a  Jer.  xvii.  9.  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things 
and  defperately  wicked,  who  con  know  it?  Heb.  x.  2'2. 
Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full  ce  of 

faith,  having  our  hearts  fprinkled  from  an  evil  con- 
science, and  oar  bodies  wafhed  with  pure  water. 

b  Rom.  ix.  25,  26.  And  he  faith  alfo  in  Ofee,  I  will 
Call  them  my  people,  which  were  not  my  people  :  and  her, 
beloved,  which  was  not  my  beloved.  And  it  lhall  come 
to  pais,  that  in  the  place  where  it  was  faid  unto  them, 
Ye  are  not  my  people  ;  there  mall  they  be  called,  The 
children  oi'  the  living  God.  Rev-  ::.  17.  He  that  hath  an 
ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  Spirit  faith  unto  the  church- 
es. To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  th« 
hidden  marina,  and  will  give  him  a  white  ftone,  and  in 
the  fcone  a  new  name  written,  which  no  man  knowcth, 
faying  he  that  receiveth  it.  Chan,  ill-  12.  Htm  chat  o- 
vercometh  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the  temple  of  my  God, 
and  he  lhall  go  no  more  out :  and  will  write  upon  him 
the  name  of  my  God,  and  the  name  of  the  city  of  my 
Cod,  yrhich  is  New  Jerusalem,  which  eoraeth  down  out 


Sert.  V.  the  Btlicver's  RiMk\ 

No  new  thing  is  beneath  the  fin  c  \ 
Yet  all  is  new,   aVid  old  things  crone  a. 

Though  in  my  flefli  dwells  no  good  thir 

r.  Chrift  in  n)e  I  joyful  (in^  /"- 
Sin  I  qoftfefsj   and  I  der-.y  : 
V  or  Uiongli  I  (rti  it  is  not  I  £i 


cm  from  my  God,  and  I  will  write  upon  him  my 
"  natn 

i   Eccl.  i.  9.  The  thin         it  hath  been,  it  is  that  wjiich 
\\\  be  :  and  that  which  is  done,,  is  that  which  iliaU  be 
me  :  and  there  is  no  new  thing  under  the  fun. 
d  2  (".or.  v.  17.  If  any  man  be  in  Chrift  he  is   a  new 
ore  :  old  things  are   |         I  away,  behold  all  thh, 
•me  ikew.     Rev.  xki.  5.   And  lie  that  fat  upon  the 
throne,  laid,  Behold,  I  make  all  things  re  -  . 

e  Rom.  vii.  18.  Fori,  know,  that  in  me  (:nat  is,  in  : 
ilefh)  ch  '.1  no  good  thing:  for  to  will  i>  pre  ent  ' 

me,  fa  to  perforin  that  which  is  good,  I  find  rot. 

/.Col.  i.  27.  .To  whom  God  weriki  make  known  what 
is  the  riches  oi'  the  glory  of  this  myderv  among  the  (3s n- 
tile -,  which  is  Ghriit  in  you  ope  of  glory* 

g  Rom.  vii.  14 — 23.   For  we  ktiOW  that  the  law  i 
ritual;  but  i  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.     For  that  which 
la,  I  allow  not :.  to  it  I  would,  that  $0  1  no^ ;  V^w: 

at  I  hate  that  do  I.     If  then  I  do  that  h  I  woul 

■ot,  I  confent  unt  •  r'  it  it  is  d».    Inow  then, 

it  is  nc  more  I         .  *;  fin  that  dwelleth  in  m:, 

r  ■;•  I  k;  ,  (:hat  is,. in  my  flefli)  clwelle:h  n  :> 

go,  Lug:  for  to         I  is  pre  Pent  .with  me,  but  hr.v  to 

t  which   i;  good,   I  fuvi   not.      For   the   good 
*    it  3  Id,  I  da  rot;   but  the  evil  winch  I  would  not, 

■   Now,  if  I  do  I  whvi  ■  not,  it  i"  no  mote  I 

\i  do  it,  bat  fin  that  dwelleth  in  inc.  ;  John  ill.  9.  Who- 
jver  is  bom  ot  God,  doth  nor  commit  fin  (   for  Ms  feed 
h  in  he  cannot  fin,  becauie  he  is  bo 

oi 


K 


i<?4  Gospel    Sonnets.         Tart  III, 

I  fin  againft,  and  with  rny  will  h  ; 
I'm  innocent,  yet  guilry  ftill  /. 
Though  fain  x'd  be  the  greateft  faint  k} 
To  be  the  leaft  I'd  be  content  A 

My  lownefs  may  my  height  evince  m, 

I'm  both  a  beggar  and  a  prince  n. 

h  PwOin.  vii.  21 — 25.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I 
would  do  good  evil  is  prefent  with  me.  For  I  delight  in 
the  law  of  God,  after  the  inward  man.  But  1  fee  ano- 
ther law  in  my  members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my 
mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin, 
which  is  in  my  members.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am, 
who  fhall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  !  I 
thank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  So  then,  with 
the  mind  I  myielf  ferve  the  law  of  God,  but  with  the 
iiefh  the  law  of  fin. 

/  I-'ial.  ::ix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  fervanf  alfo  from  pre- 
fumptuous  fins,  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me  ;  then 
ihali  I  be  upright,  and  I  fhall  be  innocent  from  the  great 
tranfgrejSibn.  And  cxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord,  fhculdfi:  mark 
iniquitie;  i  O  Lord,  who  fhall  ftand? 

k  Pfal.  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the  Lord, 
that  will  I  feek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  of 
the  Lord  all  the  davs  of  mv  life:  to  behold  the  beauty  of 
the  Lord,  and  to  enquire  in  his  temple. 

/  Pfal.  lxxxiv.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better 
than  a  thousand :  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the 
hcu:e  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickednefs. 

m  Job  v.  11.  To  let  up  on  high  thofe  that  be  low ;  fch'at 
tnbie  which  mourn  may  be  exalted  to  fafety. 

n  1  Sam.  ii.  8.  The  Lord  raileth  up  the  peer  out 
the  croft,  and  tifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the  dunghill,   to 
let  them  among  princes,  and  to  make  them  inherit  t.:e 
throne  of  fflorv :  for  the  Dillars  of  the  earth  are  the  Love' 
and  he  hath  let  the  world  uoon  them.     Gefl.   xxxii.  20. 

A 

And  the  angel  faid,  Thy  name  fhall  be  called  no  more 
Jacob,  but  Ifrael;  for  as  a  prince  thou  haft  power  with  God 
and  with  men,  and  haft  prevailed:  Rev.  i-  5,  6.  Unto 
him  that  loved  us,  and  warned  us  from  our  iins  in  his 
own  blood,  and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priefts  unto  God 
and  his  Father;  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen. 


Seft.  V. 


The  Bell 


'?r  s 


Riddle. 


i9* 


With  meanefi:  &ikje6fc  I  appears, 
With  kings  a  royal  (ceptre  bear  p. 

I'm  both  unfc-trerM  and  invo!/d  q. 
By  law  condemned,   by  law  abfolv'd  ;\ 
My  g'Jiit  condignly  pnnilh'd  fee, 
Yet  I  the  guilty  vvretch'd  go  free  ;. 

My  gaiu  did  by  my  lofs  begin  /; 

My  righteoufne's  cummenc'd  by  fin  u ; 

c  Phil.  ii.  10.  That  at  the  name  of  Jefus  every  kne? 
fnould  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and 
things  under  the  earth.  Heb.  i.  6.  And  again  when  he 
bringeth  in  the  firft-begotten  into  the  world,  he  faith,  And 
let  all  the  angels  of  God  worfnip  him. 

p  Rev.  ii.  26,  27.  And  he  that  overcometh,  and  kesp- 
eth  my  works  unto  the  end,  to  him  will  I  give  power  o- 
ver  the  nations  :  (and  he  fhall  rule  them  as  with  a  rod  of 
iron;  as  the  vefTels  of  a  potter  mall  they  be  broken  to 
fhivefL)  even  as  I  received  of  my  Father. 

q  Pfal.  cxvi.  16.  Oh  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fervant,  I 
am  thy  fervant,  and  the  fen  of  thy  handmaid  :  thou  haft 

Died  my  bonds.  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  fee  another  law  in 
my  members  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and 
bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is  in 
my  members. 

r  1  John  iii.  2  3.  For  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is 
greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all  thing".  Rom 
viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them 
which  are  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  fiefti,  but 
after  the  Spirit,  v.  33,  34.  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing  to 
the  charge  of  God's  elect?  It  is  God  that  juftineth:  who 
is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea,  ra- 
ther that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of 
God,  who  alfo  maketh  intercefTion  for  us. 

s  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us :  for  it  is  written, 
Curied  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

t  Rom.  iii.  23,  24.  For  ail  have  finned  and  come  fhort 
of  the  glory  of  God:  beipg  juitified  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  Jefus  Chriit. 

Rom.  iii.   5.    But  if  our  unrighteoufnefs  commend 


I 


I96  Gospel    Sonnets.         Parr  I: 

My  perfect  peace  by  bloody  (Irife  v ; 
Life  is  my  death,   and  death  my  life  iv. 

I'm  (in  this  prefent  life  I  know) 

A  captive  and  a  freeman  too  x  ; 

And  though  my  death  can't  fet  me  frce> 

It  will  perfpd  my  liberty  j, 

1  am  not  worth  cne  dully  grain, 
Yet  more  than  woilds  of  golden  gain  ; 
Though  worthlefs  I  myfelf  endite, 
Yet  (hall  as  worthy  walk  in  white  ; 

the  righfceeufnsfs  of.  God,  what  fhall  we  fay:  Chap.  v. 
$3,  2..  But  where  (in  abounded,  grace  did  much  more 
abound  ;  that  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  To 
Slight  grac^  rekn  through  righteouihei's,  unto  eternal 
life,  b^*  Jems  Cfcrift  our  Lord. 

7.  Col.  i.  20.  And  (having  m?.de  peace  through  the 
blooo  b£  his  erofs)  by  him  to  reconcile  all  thing  i  unto 
Hmfelf.  by  him,  I  fayj  whether  they  be  things  in  c«;rth| 
£r  things  m  heaven. 

-jj  The  iifjs.  cf  fivi  :s  cur  d:\ith.   1  Tim.  v.  6.  But  Ihe  that 
ilveth  hi  plea-me  is  dead  while  ihe  Ijveth.     The  death  of 
Qbri     .-.:•  !';:.     1  Cor.  v.  14,   15.  For  the  love!  of  Chritr, 
toniha:nci:ii  us,  becauie  we  thus  judge,  than  i(  one  d;. 
for  all,  then  were  all  dead  :  and  that  he  died  for  all,  that 
incy  yl  .ive,  mould  not  henceforth  live  unco  them- 

selves, but  uutp  him  vhich  d^cd  for  then*,  and  rofe  a^ain 
5i  x  Rom.  vii    23.  See  letter  7.     Chap.  viii.   -.   For  the 
Jaw  of  the  Spirit  of  life,  in  Chrift  Jefus,  hath  made  me 
tree  from  the  law  of  fin  and  dea:h 

■  Johnviii.  30  If  the  Son  therefore  fa  ill  make  you  free, 
ye  ihaii  be  free  indeed.  Rev.  xiy.  i  ;.  AnJ  I  heard  a  voice 
irony' heaven,  laying  unto  frie,  n\' r  ire,  BlefTed  are  the  dad 
which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henceforth:  Yea,  faith  the 
£p'r:.:,  that  they  may  reft  from*  their  labour^  and  their 
work's  do  follow  them.  2  Cor  v.  e.  For  ve  that  are  in 
his  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened '1  noc  for  that 
ye  would  be  unclothed,  bet  clothed  upon,  that  mortality 
might  be  fwal  lowed  of  life. 

^  Gen.  xxxii.  ic.  lam  not  worthy  ot  the  leait  of  all 
thy  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  hail  (hewe  I 
unto  thyfervanc;  for  with  my  iUn~  I  palled  over  this  Jpr* 

■  ■    •  -A 


Sect.  VI.         Ths  Bsltever's  RiJMs. 


197 


SECT.     VI. 

The  Myftery  of  free  juftification  through  Christ's  o- 
bedience  and  fatisfaition. 

N  O  creature  ever  conld  or  will 
For  fin  yield  fctisfo&ion  full  a  ; 
Yet  juHice  from  the  creature's  hand 
Both  fought  and  got  its  full  demand  b. 

Hence  though  I  am,  and  well  I  know, 
A  debtor  cy  vet  1  nothiop  owe  d. 


dan,  and  now  I  am  become  two  bands-  Rev.  iii.  4.  Thou 
hart  a  few  names  even  in  Sard  is,  which  have  nor  defiled 
their  garments;  and  they  lh.iil  walk  with  me  in  white  ; 
for  they  are  worthy. 

a  Pfal.  xlix.  8.  For  the  redemption  of  their  foul  is  pre- 
cious, and  it  ceafeth  for  ever.  Ifa.  xl.  16.  And  Lebanon 
is  not  fufficient  to  burn,  nor  all  the  hearts  thereof  for  a 
burnt -offering. 

h  Pfal.  xl.  6.  Sicrifice  and  offering  thou  didrt  not  defire, 
mine  ears  thou  bait  opened  ;  burnt-ottering  and  fin-orter- 
;  h.ifr  thou  not  required.  Hcb-  x  :,  6,  7.  Vv  here  fore, 
when  he  Cometh  into  the  world,  he  faith,  Sacrifice  and  ot- 
tering thou  wonMeft  not,  but  a  bady  haft  th^u  prepared 
tor  me  ;  in  but nc -offerings  and  facrifices  for  fin  thou  halt 
had  no  pleafiire  :  Then  fa  id  f,  Lo,  I  come  (in  rhe  volume 
of  thy  book  it  is  written  of  me)  to  do  thy  will,  O  God. 
F.ph.  v.  2.  Chrirt  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  himfelf 
for  us,  an  ollering  and  a  facriSee  ro  God  for  a  fweet-fmel- 
img  favour. 

c  Match,  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  for- 
give our  debtors. 

d  Rom.  iii.  2.1,  2^.  Being  jurtined  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jcfus  Chrirt:  whom  God 
hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his 
blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remiffion  of 
/ins  that  are  part,  through  the  forbearance  of  God-  Heb. 
x.  14.  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  peifcclcd  fov  ever  them 
that  arefaactified. 

K  2 


xpB  Gospel    Sonnets,         fart  III- 

T 

My  creditor  has  nought  to  fay  v} 
Yet  never  had  \  augrtf  to  pay/,. 

He  freely  pardon'd  ev'r.y  nVne  g} 
Yet  would  no  (ingle  farthing  quit  L 
Hence  ev'ry  blifs  that  falls  to  me 
Is  dearly  bought,  yet  wholly  free  ;'. 

All  pardon  that  I  needi  have, 
Yet  daftly  pardon  need  to  crave  k. 

e  Rem.   viii.   3?^   74.  ^Vho  (hall  lay  any   thing  to 
charge  of  God's   ele&  ?  It  is  God  that  juftifleth  ,  wiio  ._ 
lie  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chiiitthaq  died,  yea   rachei., 
chat  is  rifen  ai^ain,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  or  God, 
who  alfo  maketh  interceffion  for  us. 

/  Rom.  v.  6.  Eor  when  we  were  yet  without  ftrejrigth,  in 
due  time  Cnrift  died  for  the  urigpeijy.  '  1/.  $.  But  God  com- 
jnchdeth  his  love  to  us,  ia  that  while  Ve  were  yet  firtneVs, 
Chrift  died  rot  us. 

p  Ads  x;ii.  38,  jq.  Be  it  known  unto  vou  therefore,  men 
and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto 
you  the  fo'r£ivene*fs  or*  hns  :  and  by  him  all  that  believe 
iire  juiijfied  from  all  things,  from  which  ye  coliid  not  be; 
)iif|ified  by  the  la\/  of  JVlofes. 

b  Rqm.iii.   24,   25.  See  letter  d.  Chap,    viii     2?..  He 
fpared  not  his  own  Son,   but  delivered  him  tip  for  us  a 
1  Viz.  i.  'iS,    in.    For  as.  much   as   ye  know  ;h.it 


your  fathers  i  but  with  toe  pre< 
us  of  a  Lamb  without:  blemilh  and  without  fp< 
I.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption    c,hrpukh  h,s  blood., 
the  for^ivenefs  of   fins^    according  ro  the    ii   rf< :s   of    ! 
grace.     2  Tim.   i.  c.    Who   hath  Faved   us,  and  caJL1 
with  an   holy  calling,    not  accarcUug  to  our  works,    i 
according  to*  his  own  purpofe  arid  ^race  which  was  giv . 
us  in  Chriit  Jefus  before  the  world  began. 

k  Pfai.  ciii.  3  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities. ;  wlp 
healeth  all  thy  difeafes.  Ar.d  :<:;v.  11  For  thy  name's  lake, 
O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity  ,  for  it  is  very  {;,<;» t.  Luke 
xi.  4.  And  forgive  us  our  fins  >  for  we  alfo  forgive  every 
one  that  is  indebted  to  us.1  Dan.  ix.  10.  O  Lord,  hear* 
O  Lord,  forsives  0  Lordj  tbarkeo  3n.a  do ,5  defer  not  fp? 

.    ■■■     -     1,  ;     •  ■'«-•  - 


VI.  tr't   A;. 

The  law's  arreft         ps  me  in  awe  /, 
Lut  yet  'gainA  me  there  is  no  law  m. 

Though  truth  my  jufi:  damnation  crave  n, 

ct  truth's  eng^g'jd  my  L"^ul  to  {'aye  <?. 
My  whole  falvatiun  ccmes  by  this, 
[  ur  truth  and  mercy's  mutual  kifs  p, 

Lau    '•  erg  ne'er  lis  cu'i  it*  \>?rvt  miiVd  ; 

>u«  1  ne'ei   kept  ir,  am  blefVd    . 


199 


line  own  fake,  O  fmy  God  j  tor  thy  city  and  thy  people 

thy  name. 

/  Pfal.  t\ix.  120    My  flcih  trembleth  for  fear  or  thee, 

and  I  am  at  1  aid  oF  thy  judgments.      Rem.  rii.  1  •  I  vni 

re  without  the  law  once  :.  but  when  tlic  coinmaodoienc 

:.imc,   ii  1  revived,   a»ld  I  died.   f.  1^    Was  then  ch^c  which 

,^»v)d   matit  death   unco  me  !  God* fork) id       Riic  lin,   that 

it  mighr  appeal  im,   working  death  w  me  by  that  which  is 

good  ;   that  fin  by  the  commandment  migfec  become  c  S 

peeding  finful. 

m  Gal   v.  z%.  The  fimcof  the  Spine  is — rneeV.ncfs,  tem- 
perance,  u^ainfh  fuch  there  is  n.)  law.     1  Tim.  i.  9.  Kj\q\   • 
mg  this,  th  ic  the  iaw  is  nor  made  foi  a  i.  ^t|oi)S  man,  b  . 
Icis,  and  c'  nc,  6c c. 

n  hzek.  xviii.  3.   The  foul  that  Gnnetb,   it  (hall  die. 
0  1  Tin.  i.  15.  This   is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation,   thai  Chri  ir  Jefus  crime  into  the  world 

/e  finners  ;   of  Wnom  I  am  chief. 
•/>  iTal     lxxx/.    ij.   Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together,  i 
Ui(jhteoui  ie(s  and  peace  have  killed  each  other 

c/  Gal.  in.  10.  As  many  as  are  of  the  works  or  the  law 
■•r°uiui(  :   h»r  it  is  written,   Cjiled  is  everyone 

that  concinv.tr,  not  in  aii  things  which  are  written   in  I 

>k  of  w  rq  cJq  them-  *>.  1^*4-  Chiilr,  hath  redeem- 

ed us  from  the  curfc  of  the  law,  being  made  a  cuvfe  (<$ 
us;    for   it   i?  written,   Cmied   is  every  one  that  hang 
on   a   tree:  that  the   plefiing  of  Abraham  might  cpme  op 
£he#Gercil_es   through  iefus  Chi  ill ;   that  \j  ;ht  recej 

:  the  '         .  through  faith* 


zoo  GospEt    Sonnets.         Part  HI. 

I  can't  be  juftify'd  by  it  r, 
And  yet  it  can't  but  me  acquit/. 

I'm  not  oblig'd  to  keep  it  more  /, 
Yet  more  oblig'd  than  e'er  before  /* 

r  Rorn.  iii.  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  lav/,  there 
£iall  no  flefh  be  juftified  in  his  fight :  for  by  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  fin.  Gal.  ii.  iS.  Knowing  that  a  man  is 
not  juftified  by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  or 
Jefus  Chrift,  even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chrift ;  that 
we  might  be  juftfiied  by  the  Faith  of  Chi  ift,  and  not  by  the 
works  of  rhe  law;  lor  by  the  works  of  the  law  mall  no 
fjefh  be  juftified.  Chap.  iii.  11.  But  that  no  man  is  jufti- 
fied by  the  law  in  the  fight  of  God,  it  is  evident  :  for,  the 
juft  lhall  live  by  faith. 

/Rom.  viii.  r.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus.  -v.  3.  4.  For  what 
the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  fleih, 
God  did,  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flelh, 
and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the  fleih  j  that  the  ri&hreouf- 
nsfs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after 
the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  2  Cor.  v.  21  For  he  hath 
made  him  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin  y  that  we  might 
be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Rom.  iii  26. 
To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs  ->  that  he 
might  be  jufc,  and  the  juftifier  of  him  which  beiieveth  in 
jefus. 

5  R.om.  vi»  14.  Sin  mall  not  have  dominion  over  yon  : 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal-  y. 
1 — 4.  Stand  fait  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith  Chrift 
hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entah<?led  a«ain  with  the 
yoke  of  bondage.  Behold,  I  Paul  fay  unto  you,  thas  ir  yc 
be  circumcifed,  Chrit  /hall  profit  you  nothing.  For  I  teiti- 
fv  again  to  every  man  that  is  circumcifed,  that  he  js  a 
debtor  to  do  the  whole  law.  Chrift  is  become  of  no  efiec"i 
unto  you,  whofoever  of  you  are  juftified  by  the  law  ,  ye  are 
fallen  from  grace. 

t  Rom.  vi.  1,  2.  What  mill  we  fay  then?  Hull  we  con- 
tinue in  fin,  that  grace  may  abound  ?  God  forbid  :  how 
fhall  we  that  are  dead  to  Cin^  live  any  longer  therein  ?  •». 
15.  What  then?  ilia  11  we  fin,  becaufe  we  are  not  under  the 
law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid. 


Sect.   Vi.  ¥h  JVSrs    laddie.  i. 

By  |  erfe&  d  lite  I  find  t/, 

p  nnd  /fw  ho  move  me  bind  i 

Titefe  terms  dj  rgo, 

Yer  fwectly  cbaflg'd  they  -re  yi:  tof  lo, 
Jsly  </*/?£  caus'd  my  life  y,   bu: 
My  ///J'/  the  iaa,c  ihaj  m   \u    mo  t&    >. 

Though  \\ crk-  of  righteoufnefs  I  (tore  r. 

Yet  rjghteoufnefs  oi  works  abhor  a  ; 

i 

u  Rom.  v    i-,  if,  iq.    They  which  receive  abundance 

grace,  and  of  the  f;ift  of  righieoufneU,  iliall  reigw  m 

life  by   one,     elu>  Chriii  — Bv  the    riglgeoufnefs  of  or.L, 

the  hee^if:  came  upon  all  men  antq  juitifisatiofi  of  lire. — 

Sy  the  obedience  of  oneihall  man)'  be  mayi<:  righteous. 

'■  Rom.  x.  5—  c.  Fo:  Mofes  defcrjbe&h  the  nghtecufnefs 
which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man  which  dorh  thofe  things, 
lhali  live  b>  the. m.  But  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  or  faun. 
fpeaketh  on  this  wife,  Say  not  in  thine  heart,  Who 
ihnll  afcend  into  heaven  ?  (that  is,  to  bring  CbiiU  down 
from  above)  j  or,  who  lhall  defcend  into  the  deep  ?  (that 
is,  to  bring  up  Chi  ill  again  fraxn  tj  *ad):  but  vh 
faith  it?  The  word  is  nigh  ;.  . .  u  in  thy  n touch,  anji 

thy  he-r:  ;   tha.  is  the  ygrd  <  th  which  we  |  h, 

Tjiat  if  ....   1  ;.,.;.  co    I  ~is  wkh  thy  r/cuth  the  Loid  Jclu-,, 
and  ihak  b  •  in  chine  heart,  that  Gcd  hath  raifedluip 

ire:  ^d,  fho.u  (half  ...  favi 

Rom,  i         1.   D'»  vc  tLn  •  yoiJ  tht  U\J   through 

fa.  pod  forbid  3  j»$a,  vc  eiubinh  the  law. 

.  \.     .    S^  U  tta r  «  . 
•    John  jciv.  19.   Becaufe  I  live,  \e  i Vi s  1 1  live  alfo.    Chaj 
xv.        I  3m  cJ         k,  ye  are  the  branches*,   be-  that  abideth 

i"  ni< !  I  in  him,  :ke  fame  brij  .  rr.ajh  fruit;  ; 

o  no:  \  11.  .  ,   \\  ..   •  6/ 

fore,   my  1,  .  .  ...io  are  become  dead  to  t  \v  1} 

the  body    f  C. e  fho.       b<  .    . 

pven  to  1.;  td  from   the  dcad^  that  we  Ihould 

ringfoitb  u.rrc  p.;:  Ez.ck    xxxvi.    2;-   And  I  viU 

put  my  Spirit  within  yen.  r.nci  caufe  yc  :k  in  my  ftft- 

:es,   ai  ill  ke<  .:us,   a:  Q  do  them. 

•   ••mI:  d  with  the  frgitsof  rightepuf- 

°efs,  which  .aif  bji-jefus  Chrj  .  glory  an4.  p(«ii£| 

Gojl« 
tf  i;-u--i-     --     *  ■    "    -  be  found  in  him,  r.or  having  mine 


202  Gospel  Sonnets.         Parr  IU. 

For  righteoufnefs  without  a  flaw 
Is  rightcou [hefs  without  the  law  I, 

In  duties  way  I'm  bound  to  lie  ct 
Yet  out  of  duties  bound  to  fly  d\ 
Hence  merit  I  renounce  with  fhame  et 
Yet  right  to  life  by  merit  claim  f. 


own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
through  the  faith  of  Chrifr,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of 
God  by  faith.  Ifa.  Jxiv.  6.  All  our  righteoufneflfes  areas 
filthy  rags.  Rom.  iv.  6.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcribeth 
the  blefTednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righte- 
oufnefs without  works. 

b  Rom.  iii.  20,  2r,  22.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the 
law  there  fhall  no  rlem  be  juftified  in  his  fight :  for  by  the 
law  is  the  knowledge  of /in.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  witneflcd  by  the 
law  and  the  prophets ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
which  is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unco  all,  and  upon  all 
them  that  believe  ;  for  there  is  no  difference. 

c  Prov.  viii.  34.  Blelfed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me, 
watching  daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the  pofts  of  my 
doors 

d  Ifa.  lvii.  12.  I  will  declare  thy  righteoufnefs,  and 
thy  works,  for  they  fhall  not  profit  thee.  Luke  xvii.  10. 
When  ye  lhall  have  done  all  thofe  things  which  are  com- 
manded yeu,  fay,  We  are  unprofitable  fervants :  we  have 
done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

e  Pfalm  xvi.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  faid  unto  the  Lord, 
Thou  art  my  Lord 3  my  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to  thee. 
Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith  the 
Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  j  be  nfhaned  ami  con- 
founded for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  IfraeJ. 

/  Rom.  v.  j8,  19.  By  the  righteoufnefs  of  or.c,  the  free 
gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  juftincation  of  life.  By  the 
obedience  of  one  mail  many  be  made  righteous.  Ifa  xlv. 
2i,  25.  Surely,  (hall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufr 
nefs  and  (trength  :  et*en  to  him  fhall  men  come,  and  all 
that  are  incenfed  againft  him  ifcall  he  alhamed.  In  the 
Lord  ihall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael  be  juftified,  and  fnall  glory. 


Sc#.  Vi. 


The  Believer's  Riddle. 


Merit  of  perfect  righteoufnefs 
1  never  had  g,  yet  never  niifs^; 
On  thii  condition  I  have  all/. 
Yet  all  is  unconditional  k. 

Though  free  ft  mercy  I  implore  !, 
Yet  I  am  fafe  on  juitice'  icore  ;/;. 


** 


i 


g  Rom.  iii.  o,  ic.  What  then?  are  we  better  than  they? 
No,  in  no  wife  :  for  ve  have  proved  both  ews  and  Gen- 
tilts,  chat  they  are  all  under  fin;  as  ic  is  written,  There 
is  none  righteous,  no  not  one.  v,  I:.  Nowvekncw.  that 
what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are 
under  the  lav)  that  every  mouth  may  be  Hopped,  and 
all  the  world  may  become  guiliy  before  God. 

b  i  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who 
of  God  is  made  unto  us — righteoufnefs.  Ifa.  xlv.24.  See 
letter/.  ]Cr.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah  mail  be  faved,  and 
Ifrael  ftall  dwell  fafely  ;  and  this  is  his  name  whereby  he 
ihall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

/Ifa.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his  righte- 
oulnefs  fake,  he  will  magnify  the  law  and  make  it  honour- 
able. Match  iii.  15;  Thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfil  all  righ- 
teouinefs.  v.  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  faying, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  lam  well  pleafed. 

*  Ifa.  W.  1.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirfteth,  come  ye  to  the 
waters,  ar.d  he  that  hach  no  money,  come  ye,  buy  and  eat, 
yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk,  without  money,  and  with- 
out price.  Rev.  xx':i.  17.  Whofoever  will,  let  him  take  the 
*ater  of  HU  freely. 

'  Plal.  li.  r.  Have  mercy  upon  mc,  O  God,  according  to 
thy  loving  kindnefs  :  according  unro  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies  blot  01::  my  tranfgreflions. 

rr.  Rom.  iii.  24,  2-,  26.  Scir.g  justified  freely  by  his  grace, 

through  the  redemption  that  is  Jefus  Chnfi:   whom  God 

hath  let  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,   through  faith  in  his 

blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remiflion  of  fins 

chat  are  pall,  through  the  forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare, 

I  hy,  at  this   time  his   righteoufnefs  :    that   he  might  be 

juft,  and  the  juitifier  of  him   which  believeth  in    Jefus. 

I  John  1.9.  If  we  confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  andjufc 

to  forgive  oar  fi::s,  and  to  elri^fc,  asfrora  all  unriditeouf- 


nefs, 


04 


Gospel    3  o  \h  n  E  f  ::. 


Pah   lit. 


Which  never  could  the  guilty  free  n, 
Yet  fully  clears  molt  guiiiy  me  6\ 


SECT.     VI!. 

The  niyftery  of  G5d  the  Juftifier,  Rom.  iii.  26.  jufcinecl 
both  in  his  jufUfyhig  and  condemning;  ox* fdul| unifi- 
cation and  ielf-condemnation. 

M  Y  Jefus  needs  not  favfi  d7  yet  irmift  B  ; 
He  is  my  hope  c,  I  am  his  trull  d. 
He  paid  the  double  debt,  well  known 
To  be  aH  mirie,   yet  all  his  oT-Vn  e, 

n  Bxod.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the  LorJ  paiTed  by  before  him, 
and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  The  Lord  God,  — chat  will  bf 
no  means  clear  the  guilty. 

0  Rom.  iv.  5.  To  him  chat  worked)  not,  but  belicvech 
on  hirn  that  juitifieth  the  ungodly,  his  Faith  is  counted  tot 
rifihteoufnefs. 

a  liom,  ix    c.  Chrilr.  is  over  all,  God  blciled  for  ever. 

h  John  X.  16.  And  other  fhecp  1  have,  which  are  not  of 
this  fold:  them  alfo  I  muft  bring,  and  they  (hall  hear  my 
voice;  and  there  iKall  be  one  fold,  and  one  ihepherd.  t/.  tS. 
No  man  taketh  it  [my  life]  from  me,  but  I  liy.it  down 
of  myleif :  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I  have  power- 
to  take  it  again.  This  commandment  have  I  received  of 
my  Father.  Luke  ii.  ,10.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them  [Jofeph 
and  his  mother],  How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  ?  wilt  ye 
not  that  1  mutt  be  about  my  Father's  bulinefs. 

c  Jer.  xiv.  8.  O  the  hope  of  Ifrael,  the  S.iviour  thereof 
£h  time  of  trouble,  liz.  Chap.  xvii.  17  Be  not  a  terror 
unto  me,  thou  art  my  hope  in  the  dsy  of  evil  1  Tim.  i. 
t.  Paul  an  apoftle  oF  Jefus  Chrifv,  by  the  commandment 
of  God  our  Saviour,  and  the  Loid  jefus  Chriii,  which  is 
our  hope. 

d  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifefted  thy  n^rr.e  unto  the 
men  which  thou  gaveft  me  out  of  the  world  ;  thine  they 
were,  and  thou  gave  it  them  me.  %  Tim.  i.  ii-  I  know 
whom  £  have  believed  ;  and  I  am  psrfuaded  chat  he  i>  able, 
co  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  a&ainft  that 
day 

Ifa.  iiii,  4,  5,  6.  Surely  he  bAt&'bome  owr griefs \  zi 


Seel.  VI.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  2c; 

Hence,  though  I  ne'er  had  more  or  lefi 
Of  juftice  pleafing  rigbTeoufnefs/^ 
Yet  here  is  one  wrought  to  my  hand, 
As  full  as  juftice  can  demand  g. 

By  this. my  Judge  is  more  appeas'd 
Than  e'er  my  tin  his  honour  lcas'd  h. 
Yea,  juftice  can't  be  plcas'd  fo  well 
By  aU  the  torments  borne  in  hell  /'. 

carried  our  forrows  r  yet  we  did  efteemhim  ftricken,  fmir- 
ten  of  God,  and  affli&ed.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our 
tranfgreffions,  he  was  bruifed  for  cur  iniquities  :  thechai- 
cifement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and  with  his  (tripes 
we  are  healed.  All  we  like  iheep  have  gone  aftray  :  we 
have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way,  and  the  Lord  hath 
laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  alt  v..  %•  For  the  tranfgrel- 
fion  of  my  people  was  he  ftricken.  Heb.  vii.  2.  By  fo 
much  was  jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  teftament. 
f  Rom-  iii.  <?,  10,  19.  See  letter*  forecited. 
;rDan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weisks  arc  determined  upon  thy 
people,  and  upon  thy  hoty  city,  to  finifii  the  tranfgreffion, 
and  tn  make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconciliation  for 
iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlaiiing  righteoufnefs,  &j. 
Zech.  xiii.  7.  Awake,  O  fvord,  rgainft  my  ihepherd, 
and  acHinft  the  man  thct  is  rr.v  fellow,  faith  tke  Lord  of 
hofts  :  fmite  the  Shepherd,  and  the  Iheep  ihali  be  fcattered, 
and  I  will  turn  mine  hand  upon  the  little  ones. 

h  Rom.  v.  8 — 11.  But  God  commendeth  his  love  to- 
wards us,  in  that  while  we  were  finners,  Chrift  died  for  us. 
Much  more  then  bsing  now  juftificd  by  his  blood,  we  lhall 
be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  For  if  when  we  were  e- 
nemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Sori  t 
much  more  being  reconciled,  we  (hall  be  faved  by  his  life. 
And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord 
Icfus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received  the  atone- 
ment. Hcb.  ik.  14,  How  much  more  mail  the  blood  of 
Chrift,  who  through  the  eternal  Spirir,  offered  himfcif 
without  (rot  to  God,  purge  your  confeience  from  dead 
Works  to  Terve  the  living  God  ? 

i  Heb.  x.  -,  6.  Wherefore  when  he  cometh  into  the 
world,  he  fu:H,  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  wonldft  n  >~, 
bur  a  body  halt  thou  prepared  for  me:  in  burnt-effcrin^? 
and  Sacrifices  for  fin  :hou  haft  had  no  pleafure.    i\  14.    ?»/ 


2o6  Gospel  S  o  n  n  e  t  j.  Part  III. 

Full  fathfaclion  here  is  Ftfcfe, 
As  hell  can  never  yield  fo  much  k  ; 
Though  juftice  therefore  might  me  damn, 
Yet  by  more  judice  (avM  I  am  /. 

Here  ev'ry  divine  property 
Is  to  the.hi>heit  let  on  high  m ; 


one  offering  he  hach  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  fan&i- 
fied.  i/.  49.  Of  how  much  forer  punilhment  fuppofe  ye, 
fhall  he  be  chough:  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot 
the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  trie  blood  of  the  cove- 
nant, wherewith  he  was  fan&ifled,  an  rnholy  thing,  and 
hath  done  defpite  unco  the  Spirit  of  grace  ? 

k  Rom.  v,  it.  See  letcer  h.  Eph.  v.  2.  Chrift  hath 
given  himfeif  for  us,  an  offering  and  a  facrifice  to  God  for 
a  fweet-fmelling  favour.  1  Pec.  i.  18,  19.  Forafmuch  as 
ye  know  thac  ye  were  no:  redeemed  with  corruptible  things, 
as  fllver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  converfation,  received 
by  tradition  Pram  your  fathers;  but  wich  che  precious 
blood  of  Ch rift,  as  of  a  Lamb  without  blemilh  and  wichout 
fpot.  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  hach  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe 
of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us. 

/  1  Pet.  iii.  itf.  Chrifl  hath  once  fuffered  for  (Ins,  the 
juft  for  the  intuit,  (thac  he  might  bring  us  co  God),  being 
put  co  death  in  the  fleih,  but  quickened  by  che  Spirit.  Rom. 
iii.  26.  To  declare,  1  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufncfs  j 
that  he  might  be  juit,  and  che  juflifier  of  him  which  be- 
lievech  in  jefus.  r  John  ii.  z.  And  he  is  che  propitiation 
for  our  fins ;  and  noc  for  ours  only,  but  alfo  for  the  fins  of 
the  whole  world.  Chap.  iv.  10.  Herein  is  love,  not  that 
we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us,  and  fent  his  Son  to 
be  the  propiciation  for  our  fins. 

■n  Rom.  iii.  25.  horn  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his 
righteoufnefs  for  the  remiflion  of  fins  chat  arepaft,  through 
the  forbearance  of  God.  Pfal.  lxxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth 
are  met  together;  righceoufnefs  and  peace  have  kitted 
each  other.  2  Cor,  v.  1^,  19.  And  all  things  are  of  God, 
who  hath  reconciled  us  to  himfeif  by  jefus  Chrift,  and 
hath  given  to  us  the  miniftry  of  reconciliation  j  to  wit, 
thac  God,  was  in  Chrift,  reconciling  the  world  unto 
himfeif,   not  imputing  their   trefpaffes  \xmo  them  ;    and 


Sccl.  VII.         The  Believer'*  Riddle i 

Hence  God  his  glory  would  injure, 
If  my  falvaudn  were  not  lure  n. 

Mv  peace  and  fafety  lie  in  this, 
My  Creditor  my  Sarety  is  cy 
The  judgment-day  1  dread  the  lefs, 
My  Judge  is  made  my  nghteotlfnefs  jft 

He  paid  cut  far  a  bankrupt  crew 
The  debt  that  to  himfelf  was  due  j 
And  fatisfy'd  hi'mftlf  for  me, 
When  he  did  juftice  fathfy  q. 


207 


hath  committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  «»•.  it. 
For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  fin  for  us,  v  ho  knew  no  fin  j 
that  we  mii;lu  be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him. 
Luke  ii.  14.  Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good-will  towards  men. 

n  Iia  xliv.  13.  Sing,  O  ye  heavens  \  for  the  Lord  hath 
done  it:  lhout,  ye  lower  parts  of  the  earth;  break  foith 
into  finging,  ye  mountains,  O  foreit,  and  every  tree  there- 
in ;  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  glorified  him- 
felf in  Ifrael.  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  piaife  of  the  glory  of  his 
grace,  wheiein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved. 
« ->  12.  That  we  ihould  be  to  the  praife  of  his  glory  who 
fi;ft  trufted  in  Chiifi:. 

0  Pfal.  cxix.  T22.  Be  furety  for  thy  fervant  for  good; 
let  not  the  proud  opprefs  me.  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  fo  much 
was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  teftamenc 

p  1  Cor.  i.  :o.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chi  itt  Jefus,  who 
of  God,  is  made  unto  us — righteoufnefs  Chap.  xv.  $5* 
56,  57.  O  death  where  is  thy  iting  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
vi&ory?  The  iting  of  death  is  fin  >  and  the  ltrength  of 
fin  is  the  law:  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the 
victory,  through  our  Lord    tfus  Chi  ill . 

o  Zech.  Niii.  7.  See  Utter  g.  Rom.  ix  5.  Chrift  is  o- 
ver  ?M,  God  bleifed  for  ever.  Phil  iii.  6,  7,  8.  C  he  lit 
Ufus  being  in  the  form  of  God,  though':  it  no  robbery  to 
be  equal  with  God  :  but  made  himfelf  of  no  reputation, 
-..J  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  fervant,  and  was  made 
i.r  the  likenefs  oi'  men:  and  being  round  in  faftrion  as  a 
jnaa,  he  humbled  himfelf,  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  tYeu  i;*c  death  of  the  crofs, 


2o3  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III 

He  to  the  law,  though  Lord  of  it, 
Did  moft  obediently  fubmit  r. 
What  he  ne'er  broke,  and  yet  muft  die, 
I  never  kept,  yet  live  muft  I  f. 

The  law,   which  him  its  keeper  killM, 
In  me  its  breaker  is  fulfiil'd  s  ; 
Yea  magnify'd  and  honour'd  more 
Than  fin  defac'd  it  e'er  before  /. 

Hence  though  the  law  condemn  at  large, 
It  can  lay  nothing  to  my  charge  u ; 

r  Ibid.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time 
was  come,  God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  die  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law, 
that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  cf  fons. 

/  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  See  letter..  2  Cor.  v.  21.  See  letter  w. 
1  John  iv.  9.  In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  to- 
wards us,  becaufe  that  God  fer.t  his  only  begotten  Son  in- 
to the  world,  that  we  might  live  through  him. 

s  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  the  fleih,  God  Tending  his  own 
Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  fleih,  and  for  fin  condemn- 
ed fin  in  the  flelh  j  that  the  righteonfnefs  of  the  law  might 
be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  fleih,  but  after 
the  Spirit. 

t  Ifa.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his  righte- 
oufneisfake;  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  hon- 
ourable. Rom.  v.  iS — 2i.  Therefore  as  by  the  offence  of 
one,  judgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation  :  even 
fo  by  the  righieoufnefs  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon 
all  men  unto  juiiiflcation  of  life.  For,  as  by  man's  difo- 
bedience  many  were  made  finners  :  fo  by  the  obedience 
ofoneihall  many  be  made  righteous.  Moreover,  the  la* 
entered,  that  the  offence  might  abound  j  but  where  fin  a- 
bounded,  grace  did  much  more  abound:  that  as  fin  hath 
reigned  unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign  through 
rightcoufnefs  unco  eternal  life,  by  [efus  Chriit  our  Lord.' 
u  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  no v  no  condemnation 
to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus.  a/.  3,  4.  See  letter  . 
if*  ;;,  34.  Who  mall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's 
eleel?  It  is  God  that  juftifieth;  who  is  he  that  Condemn- 
ed? I:  is  CRrlfttfcat  died,  ye*  rather,    that  is  rifen  a- 


SeQ.  VII,  The  BelUvrrs   Riddle.  209 

Nor  fin  11  fuch  ground  to  challenge  me, 
As  Heaven  hath  found  to  juftify  tj. 

But  though  he  freely  me  remit, 

I  never  can  myfelf  acquit  at/. 

My  Judge  condemns  me  not,  I  grant  5 

Yet  juftify  myfelf  I  can't  x. 

From  him  I  have  a  pardon  got, 
But  ye:  myfelf  I  pardon  not  y. 
His  rich  forp-ivenefs  ftill  I  have, 
et  never  can  myfelf  forgive  z. 

The  more  he's  toward  me  appeas'd, 
The  more  I'm  with  myfelf  difpleas'd  a. 

gain,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  alfo  mak* 
eth  intercefTion  for  us. 

t/Jobxxxiii  14.  Then  he  is  gracious  unto  him,  and  faith, 
Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit,  I  have  found  z 
ranfom.  Rom.  iii.  ?.  c,  26.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to 
be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his 
righteoufnefi  for  the  remiffion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through 
the  forbearance  of  God  j  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his 
ri^hreoufnefs  :  that  he  rnigfyt  be  juft,  and  the  juttifier  of 
him  which  believeth  in  Jefus. 

iv  2  Sam.  ::ii.  1;.  And  David  faid  unto  Nathan,  I  have 
finned  againir/  the  Lord.  And  'tfathan  faid  unto  David,  The 
lord  alfo  hath  put  away  thy  fin,  thou  (halt  not  die.  Pfal. 
li.  2,  -;.  Waihme  throughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and  clcanfe 
me  from  my  fin.  For  I  acknowledge  my  tranfgreflions  j 
and  my  fin  is  ever  before  me. 

x  Rom.  viii.  i,  33.  See  letter?/.  Jobix.20.  Ifljuf- 
tiFy  myfelf 'mine  own  mouth  mall  condemn  me  ;  if  I  fay  I 
am  perfect,  it  fhail  alfo  prove  me  perveife. 
^  y  2  Cor.  vii.  tr.  For  behold,  this  felf-fame  thing  that  yc 
fori  owed  after  a  godly  fort,  whac  carefuinefs  it  wrought  in 
you,  yea,  what  clearing  of  yourfelves,  yea,  what  indigna- 
tion, yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what  vehement  defire,  yea^ 
what  Heal,  yc^^  what  revenge? 

z  Ifa.  xxxviii.  1 5.  What  (hall  I  fay  ?  he  hath  both  fpoken 
unto  me,  and  himfelf  hath  done  it  :  I  (hall  go  foftly  ail  my 

:ars  in  the  bitternefs  of  my  foul. 

a  £zek.  xvi-  63.  That  thou  mayeft  remember  and  beccn- 


sro  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III. 

The  more  I  am  abfolv'd  by  him, 
The  more  I  do  myfelf  condemn  b. 

When  he  in  heaves  dnoms  me  to  dwell, 
Then  I  adjudge  myfelf  to  hell  c; 

founded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of  thy 
fliame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee,  for  all  that  thou 
haft  done,  faith  the  Lord  Cod 

b  Lukexviii.  13,  i4.  And  the  publican  {landing  afar  off, 
would  not  lift  up  fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but 
irnote  upon  his  breaf?,  faying,  God   be  merciful   co  me  a 

zTX  l  r  tdI  y°U'  this  Rian  went  down  to  his  houfe  il,fti" 
re  ^  thnn  the  ochcr  :  for  everv  one  tha£  exalteth  hirn- 
ielf,  fliaJl  be  abafed  ;  and  he  that  humbleth  himfelf,  fliall 
beexalted.    Ezek.  xxxvi.    x,    .-.  Then  fhali  ye  remember 

yTn,°¥VVl1  W*y5%  and  Vour  doings  that  were  not  good, 
ana  lhzll  loath  yourfelves  in  your  own  fight,  for  your  iniqui- 
ties, and  for  your  abominations      Not  for  you;  fakes  do  I 
this,  faith  the  Lord  Gud,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  amam- 
ed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael. 
Jer.  y.y.xi    15.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented  : 
ana  after  that  I  was  intrrufted,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh  ;  I 
was  aftamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  becaufe  I  did  bear 
the  reproach  of  my  youth. 

c  KUtih.  xxv.  54,— 39  Then  (hall  the  King  far  unto 
tnem  onhis  right  hand,  Come,  ye  bleffed  of  my  Father, 
inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation 
or  the  world.  For  I  was  an  hungred,  and  yegave  me  meat : 
I  was  thirfty,  and  ye  gave  me  drink:  I  was  a  ftranger,  and 
ye  took  me  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  :  I  was  Tick,  and 
?e  vifited  me  ;  I  was  in  prifon,  and  ye  came  unto  me. 
Then  lhall  the  righteous  anfwer  him,  faying.  Lord,  when 
iaw  we  thee  an  hungred,  and  fed  thee}  or  thirftv,  and 
Save  thee  drink  ?  V\  hen  faw  we  thee  a  ftranger,  and  took 
thee  m  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee  ?  Or  when  faw  we  thee 
«ck,  or  in  prifon,  and  we  came  unto  thee  ?     1  Cor.  xi.  «li 


more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  fon.     Gen.  xxxii.  0,  ip.  And 
Jacob  faid,  CGcd  of  my  father  Abraham,  and  God  of  mv 


Sett.  VII.         Tbe  Be  liter's  Riddle.  21 1 

Ycr  ftill  I  to  bis  judgment  'grcc, 
Ant!  clear  him  for  ahibivirg  me  d. 

TJius  he  clears  me,  and  1  him  clear, 
Ijuftify  my  Ittftifier  e. 

Let  him  condemn  or  juftify, 
From  all  irjullicc  I  am  free  f. 

father  Ifa.ic,  the  Lord  which  faidft  unto  me,  Return  untd 
thy  country,  and  to  thy  kindred,  and  I  will  deal  veil  with 
thee:  lam  not  worthy  of  the  leaft  of  r.ll  the  mercies,  and 
of  ail  the  truth  which  thou  halt  fhewed  unto  thy  fervant,  for 
with  myftafrl  paikdovei  this  Jordan,  and  now  I  am  be- 
come two  bands. 

a  Pfal.  li.  4.  Againft  thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned,  and 
done  chis  evil  in  thy  light:  that  thou  mighteftbe  jufrified 
when  thou  fpeakeft,  and  be  clear  when  thou  judgeft  And 
xi.  7.  The  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteoufnefs,  his  counte- 
nance doth  behold  the  upright.  And  cxlv  16,  17-  Thou 
openeft  thine  hand,  and  fatisfieft  the  defire  of  every  living 
thing.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy 
in  all  his  wotks.  Rev.  xv.  3  ^nd  they  fing  the  fong  of  Mo« 
fes  the  fervant  of  God,  ard  the  fong  of  the  Lamb,  faying, 
Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty  j 
juft  and  true  arc  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  faints. 

e  Rom.  iii  26.  To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his 
jighteoufnefs  ;  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of 
him  which  belicveth  in  Jefus.  Ifa.  xlv.  21.  There  is  no 
God  elfe  btfide  me,  a  juft  God  and  a  Saviour,  t.  24.  Sure- 
ly lhall  one  fay,  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and 
itrength.  Chap.  Jxiii  1.  Who  is  this  that  comerh  from 
Edom,  with  dyed  garments  from  Loxsah?  This  that  is 
glorious  in  his  appaiel,  travelling  in  the  greatnefs  of  his 
itrength  ?  I  that  fpeak  in  righteoufnefs,  mighty  to  favc. 
Zech-  ix.  9.  Rejoice  greatly,  O  daughter  of  Zion  j  fhout, 
O  daughter  of  Jerufalem  :  behold,  thy  King  Cometh  unto 
thee,  he  is  juft,  and  having  falvation,  &c 

/  Jobs  xxv.  4,  5,  6.  How  then  enn  man  be  juftified 
with  God  ?  or,  how  can  he  be  clean  that  is  born  of  a  wo- 
man? Behold  even  to  the  moon,  and  it  fhineth  not  ;  yea, 
the  ftars  are  not  pure  in  his  fight.  How  much  left  man 
th«t  is  a  worm:  and  the  fon  of  man  which  is  a  worm  ? 
Pfal.  lxxxix.  14.  Juftice  and  judgment  are  the  habitation 
of  thy  throne:  mercy  and  truth  lhall  go  before  thy  face. 


5.12 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part  III. 


SECT.     VIII. 

The  myflerv  of  fanetific?.tion  imperfect  in  this  life  ;  or  the 
believer  doing  all,  and  doing  nothing. 

M I  N  £  arms  embrace  my  God  a,  yet  I 
Had  never  arms  ro  reach  fo  high  b> 
His  arm  alone  me  hold  c>  yet  loj 
1  hold  ai.d  will  not  let  him  cro  d. 

And  xcvii.  2.  Clcud*  and  darknefs  are  round  about  him: 
riiihccoufnefs  and  iudgment  are  the  habitation  of  his 
throne.  Rom.  iii.  -',  -  Now  we  know  that  what 
things  foev^r  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  un- 
der the  law  ;  that  every  mouth  may  be  Jtopped,  and  all  the 
world  may  become  guilty  before  God  Therefore,  by  the 
deeds  of  the  law,  there  fh.dl  no  flefh  be  juftified  in  his 
iight ;  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  v.  i  -,  ^4, 
^25.  Voi  all  ha"t  ii.mtd,  and  come  wort  of  the  glory  ef  God; 
beinti  ju^ri  d  freely  bv  hi>  grace,  through  the  redemption 
that  i>  in  Jeftts  Chrift  :  whom  God  huh  fet  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  bl>  oc,  to  d-clare  his  ngh- 
ceoofnefs  fo.  the  rtmiffion  of  iins  that  are  paft,  through 
the  fo.bearaice  of  God.  Pfal.  sotii  2,  - .  O  my  God,  I 
cry  in  the  duV-time,  bni  tnou  he* reft  not  j  and  in  the 
night-feafon,  and  im  not  fiient.  But  thou  art  holy,  O 
thou  that  mhabitcii  the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 

u  Song  iii  1  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  paHed  from  them, 
but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  ioveth  ;  1  held  him,  and 
would  not  let  him  ^o,  until  I  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  houic,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  con- 
ceived me 

b  Pfal.  lxi.  2.  From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  ci  vim- 
to  thee,  when  my  heart  if  overwhelmed  5  lead  me  to  the 
jock  that  is  higher  than  I 

i  Pfal  ixiii.  8.  Mv  foul  followeth  hard  after  thee  : 
thy  right  hand  upholdeth  me.  Ifa  xli.  1  Fear  thon 
not,  for  I  am  with  thee:  be  not  difmaved,  for  I  am  thy 
God  :  I  wil!  ftrengthen  thee,  yea,  I  will  help  thee,  yea,  I 
will  uphold  rhee  with  the  right  hand  or  my  righceontnefs. 

d  Gen.   xxxii.     6.  And  he   [the  angell  fa  id,   Lee         jO, 
for  the  day  breaketh,:  And  he    [Jacob]  laid,  I  wii; 
let  thee  go,  except  thou  kiefs  me. 


Sea.  VII. 


The  Believer's  RitUIe, 


21 3 


I  Ho  according  to  bis  call, 
And  yet  not  I,  but  he  does  all  e; 
$ut  though  he  works  to  will  and  do/i 
I  without  force  Vork  freely  too  g. 

His  will  and  mine  agree  full  well  hy 
Yet  difagrec  like  heav'n  and  hell  i\ 
His  nature's  mine  i,  and  mine  is  his  /; 

Yet  fo  was  never  that  nor  this  m* 

e  i  Cor  xv.  10.  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I 
am  ;  and  his  prace  which  was  bcftowed  upon  me,  was  not 
in  vain;  but  I  labouied  more  abundantly  than  they  all; 
yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which  was  with  me.  v. 
<S.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  fledfaft,  im- 
moveable, always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  for- 
a f much  us  ye  know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord. 

f'Fhit.  ii.  t-.  Tc  is  God  which  workcth  in  you,  both  to 
will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure. 

g  Pfal.  ex.  5.  Thy  people  lhall  be  willing  ifl  the  daV  of 
thy  power.  And  cxvi.  16.  Oh  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fer- 
vant,  I  am  thy  fervans,  and  the  fon  cf  thy  hand-maid  ; 
thou  haft  loofed  my  bonds. 

t  Matth.  vi.  fo.  Thv  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  Pfal.  Ml.  3.  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God  : 
yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart. 

i  Matth.  xxi.  2?,  2q.  A  certain  man  had  two  fons,  and 
he  came  to  the  firft,  and  faid,  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  mv 
vineyard.  He  anfwered  and  faid,  I  will  not,  &C.  John 
v.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  tome,  that  ve  might  have  life. 
Matth  .xxiii  37.  O  Jerufalem,  jerufalem,  thou  that  killeit 
the  prophets,  and  floneft  them  which  are  fent  unto  thee, 
how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together, 
even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings,  and 
ye  won  d  not  ! 

k  2  Pet.  i.  4..  Wfierebv  are  «iven  unto  us  exceeding  izreat 
and  precious  promifes  \  that  by  thefe  ye  might;  be  partakers 
of  the  divine  nature. 

1 1  Heb.  ii.  14.  Forafmuch  then  as  the  children  are  par- 
takeis  of  flefh  and  blood,  he  alfo  himfelf  likewife  took  patt 
of  the  fame.  1/.  16.  For  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  na- 
ture of  angels  j  but  he  rook  on  him  the.feed  of  Abraham. 

m  Ifa.  xl.  17,  18.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  nothing, 
and  they  are  counted  to  him  lefs  than  nothing,  and  vanity. 

L  2 


2i4  Gospel    Sonnets.         part  IJI. 

I  know  him  and  his  name,  yet  own 
He  and  his  name  can  ne'er  be  known  n* 
His  gracious  coming  makes  me  do ; 
I  know  he  tomes,  yet  know  not  how  o. 

I  have  no  good  but  what  he  gave  p, 
Yet  he  commands  the  ^ood  1  have  q. 


To  whom  then  will  ve  liken  God  ?  or  what  likenefs  will  ve 
compare  unto  him  ? 

r  Pfal  ix  l..  Thev  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their 
truft  in  thee.  Prov  x:<x.  :,  a-  I  [Agur]  neither  J  earned 
vifdntTu  nor  have  the  knowledge  oF  the  holy.  Who  hath 
afcended  up  into  heaven,  ordefcended*  who  hath  gathered 
the  winds  in  his  fifts  ?  who  bath  bound  the  waters  in  a  gar- 
ment? who  hath  eftabliihed  all  the  ends  of  theeaith? 
what  is  his  name,  and  what  is  his  Ton's  name,  if  thou  canit 
rell  ? 

c  Son£  iv.  16.  Awake,  O  north  wind  ;  and  come,  thcu 
fouth,  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices  thereof  may 
flow  cut  :  let  my  beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and  eat  his 
pleafanC  fruits.  Johniii.  8  The  wind  bloweth  where  it 
li/leth,  and  thon  heareii  the  found  thereof,  but  canft  roc 
tell  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth  :  fo  is  every 
one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

p  r  Chton.  xxix  i.».  And  David  faid, — But  who  am  I, 
and  what  is  my  people,  that  Ave  ihould  be  able  to  offer  io 
villinMy  after  this  fort  ?  for  all  things  come  of  thee,  and 
of  thine  ov/n  have  we  given  thee  i  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that 
we  are  fufiicient  of  ourfelves,  to  think  any  thing  as  of  our- 
f  elves  :  but  our  fufficiency  is  of  God. 

q  2  Cor.  x.  18.  For  not  he  that  commendeth  himfelf  is 
Approved,  but  whom  the  Lord  commendcth.  Rom.  xii.  r, 
2.  I  befeech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of 
God,  that  ye  prefent  your  bodies  a  living  fa  orifice,  holy, 
acceptable  unto  God,  which  is  your  reasonable  fervice. 
And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world  :  but  be  ye  transformed 
by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is 
cfiat  rood,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect  will  of  God. 


Seel.  VIII-  The  Believer's  Riddle.  215 

And  though  my  good  to  him  afcends  r, 
My  goodnefs  to  him  ne'er  extends  y. 

I  take  hold  of  his  cov'nant  free  /, 
But  find  it  rtiuft  take  hold  of  me  t. 
I'm  bound  to  keep  it  u,  yet  'tis  bail, 
And  bound  to  keep  me  without  fail  v. 

r  Pfal.  xxv.  r.  Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  foul. 
And  cxli.  2.  Let  my  prayer  be  fee  forth  before  thee  as  in- 
cenfe  ;  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands,  as  the  evening  ia- 
crifice.  Epb.  iii.2  In  whom  iChiiit  cfus]  we  have  bold- 
nefs  and  accefs  with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  Heb. 
x  iq.  Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldncfs  to  enter  into 
the  holicft  by  the  blood  of  Jefus,  &c. 

f  rfal.  xvi  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  fa  id  unto  the  Lord, 
Thou  art  my  Lord:   my  goodnefs  extendeth  not  to  thee. 

5  Ifa.  lvi.  4.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  the  eunuchs  that 
—  take  hold  of  my  covenant,  &c.  v.  6.  Alfo  the  fons  of 
the  Grangers,  that  join  themfelves  to  the  Lord,  to  ferve 
him,  and  to  love  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  be  his  fervants, 
everyone  that-  taketh  hold  of  my  covenant,  &c. 

t  Zech.  i.  6.  But  my  words  and  my  tfatutes,  which  I 
commanded  my  fervants  the  prophets,  did  they  not  take 
hold  of  vour  fit  hers  ?  and  they  returned  and  faid,  Like  a^ 
the  Lord  of  hods  diooght  to  do  unto  us,  according  to  our 
ways,  and  according  to  out  doings,  fo  hath  he  dealt  with 
us.  Pfal.  ex.  2,  3.  The  Lord  fhnll  fend  the  red  of  thy 
ftrength  out  of  Zion  :  rule  thou  in  the  mids  of  thine  ene- 
mies. Thy  people  Ih.ii  be  willii  g  in  the  day  of  thy  power, 
&c  Rom.  i  16.  I  a"m  not  afhamed  of  che  g  of  pel  of  Chrifl: 
for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unro  fa  1  vat  ion,  to  every  one  that 
bclieverh,  to  the  Jew  firft",  and  alfo  to  the  Greek.  2  Cor. 
ii.  16 — to  the  other  we  are  the  favour  of  life  unco  life; 
and  who  is  fafflcient  for  thefe  things. 

Pfal.  ciii  17,  <o.  The  mercv  of  the  Lord  is  from  cver- 
Infting  to  everlafting  upon  them  that  fear  him  :  and  his 
righteoufnefs  unto  children's  chidren  :  to  fuch  as  keep  his 
covenant,  and  to  thofe  that  remember  his  cnmmar.dmencs 
to  do  them.  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifef^cd  thy  name  un- 
to the  men  which  thou  gavelt  me  out  of  the  world:  thine 
they  were,  and  thou  g  a  reft  them  me,  and  they  have  kept 
thy  word. 

•v  Pfal.  lx::xix.  *->,  —  <\6.  Neverthelefs,  my  loving-kind- 
ftefs  will  I  not  utterly  italic  from  him,  r.or  fnffcr  my  faith' 


216  Gospel     Sonnets.         Part  lil. 

The  bond  on  niy  part  cannot  latt  iv9 
Yet  on  both  fides  Hands  firm  and  fait  ;.\ 
I  break  my  bands  at  e'ery  (hock, 
Yet  never  is  the  bargain  broke  v. 

Daily,  alas!    I  difobey  zy 

Yet  yield  obedience  ev'ry  day  a. 


fulnefs  to  fail      My  covenant  will  I  not  break,  nor  a; 
the  thing  chat  is  gone  out  of  my  lips*     Once  have  I   fwon. 
by  my  holincfSf  that  I  will  no:  lie  unto  David.     His  feed 
lhr.ll  endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  before  rne« 

hv  Pfal-  lxxxix.  30,  31,  32.  If  his  children  fo.fake  my 
law,  and  walk  nor  in  my  judgments  \  if  they  break  my  fta- 
rates,  end  keep  not  my  commandments  \  then  will  I  vine 
their  rranfgrefiion  with  the  iod,  and  their  iniquity  with 
irripes 

x  Pfal.  ixxxix.  2?  -;,  4«  Tor  T  have  faid.  Mercy  mail  be 
bciic  up  for  ever;  thy  fa.ithfulnefs  ilialt  thou  eftabliih  iqt 
the  very  heavens.  1  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  Cho- 
icn,  I  have  fwbrn  unto  David  my  fervant. . '  Thy  Ucd  wil: 
I  eftabliih  for  ever,  and  build  up  thy  throne  to  all  genera- 
tions. i'.  ?.?,  29.  My  mercy  will  I  keep  forever  more, 
and  my  covenant  ih.til  itand  faft  with  hinii  His  \ccd  alfo 
will  I  make  to  endure  for  ever,  2nd  his  throne  as  the  days 
of  heaven.  Jer-  xxxii.  .0.  And  I  will  make  an  everlafting 
covenant  with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them, 
to  do  them  good  ,  hut  I  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts, 
chat  they  ihaii  depart  horn  them. 

V  Pfall  Ixxviii.  Their  heart  was  not  right  with  him, 

neither  were  they  ftedfait  in  his  covenant  It  a.  liv  10  TKc 
mountains  lhall  depart,  and  the  hills  It  removed,  bat  my 
siindncis  lhall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  (hall  die  co- 
venant of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath 
mercy  upon  thee. 

'  x  James  iii.  2.  In  many  things  we  ©tTend  all 

a  Pfalm  lxi.  3-  So  will  I  hn^  praife  unto  thy  name  tor 
ever,  that  I  may  daily  perform  my  vows.  Hc'b.  i;i.  1;. 
But  exhort  one  another  daily  while  it  is  called,  To-day; 
left  any  oPvqu  be  hardened  through  the  dcrei:falneXs  of  fin, 


Seel.    VUI.  Yh   Believer's    R:         \ 

I'm  :cS\  perfect  mail  b, 

That  can  do  all,  yet  nothing  can  -. 

I'm  from  beneath  d>  and  from  above  e, 
A  child  ofwratli/J  a  c hi  1  !  oflove  <*• 

A  ib  .moer  e'en  where  all  may  know  j 
A  pilgrim,  vet  1  no  where  t»o  ^. 

]f  trade  abroad,  yet  Ray  at  home  /; 
ly  tabernacle  is      /-tcmbi. 


r-  *  ~ 


b  Pfalm  xxxvii.   -\~    Mark  the  peifcc*  roan,  and  beh> 
the  upright  :   tor  the  end  of  that  man  ;s  peace.   Rev.  iii.  2. 
Be  watchful,  a:\d  it  uv.rh.cr  the  things  which  remain,  that 
are  re|dy  £0  die :  for  I  have  not  found  thy  works   perfect 
t  cfoie  Qod, 

PhTt.  iv.  -  - .  I  can  do  ail  chines  through  Chrift  which 
ftrengthentlh  me.  Johrfxv.  -•  I  2m  the  vi-:e,  ye  are  the 
tranches  ;  He  that  abidetb  in  me,  ar.d  I  in  him,  the  fame 
bringeth  forth  much  fruit}  for  wirhourmc  ye  can  do  no- 
thing 

a  John  viii  23.  And  Jefus  faid  u^to  the  Jews,  Ye  are 
from  beneath— >  :  ye  are  of  this  wold.  &c. 

«-  Gal.  iv.  :6.  Jerufalem  which  is  above,  is  free,  which 
is  th^  mother  of  us  all.  -.  ..S.  Now  w*,  brethren,  as  Ifaac 
was,  are  the  children  of  the  pro  miff  John  i  n.  "Which 
\i  ere  horn  n6t  of  blood,  nor  of  the  wiil  of  the  netfi,  norcf 

te  will  of  man,  but  vf  Cod.  And  iii.  ;,  .-.  Jtfus  anfwer- 
ed.  Verily,  verily,  I  ity  unto  thee,  .[Nicodemus]  Except  a 
man  be  boir  of  water   zr.d  of  the  Spirit,   he  cannot  enter 

co  the  kingdom  o?  God.— That  which  is  born  of  che  Spi- 
rit is  fpirit. 

t  Eph.  ;i.  r.  We~-were  bv  nature  the  children  ofwrath, 
even  as  others. 

Rom.  iv.  S The  children  of  the  promife  are  counted 

for  the  fee  J 

H~b.  xi.  i:.  Thefe— all  conFeiTed  that  they  were  Ifrar.- 
£crs  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth.  1  Pet.  ii.  11  Deariy  belov- 
ed,  befcech  you  as  hTrangers  and  piicrih^,  &Ci 

.'  Plul.  in.  2c.  For  our  cenverfanen  is  in  he2ven,  from 
whence  alio  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jet  us  Chriit 

*  2  Cor.  v.  t,  2.  For  we  know,  that  if  our  earthly  henier 
of  this  tabernacle  were  diflolvtd,   we  have  a   building 
Cod,  an  houfe  not  maJw  v  ith  hands,- eternal  in  the  heavens. 


2l8 


Gospel   Sonnets. 


Part  III. 


I  can  be  prifon'd,  yet  abroad  ; 

Bound  hand  and  foot,  yet  walk  with  God  /. 

SECT.     IX. 

The  myftery  of  various  names  given  to  faints  and  church 
of  Chrifr.  :  or,  The  flefh  and  Spirit  defcribed  from  in- 
animate things,  vegetables  and  fenfitives. 

TO  tell  the  world  my  proper  name, 
„  Is  both  my  glory  and  my  fhame  a : 
For  like  my  black  but  comely  face, 
My  name  is  Sin,   my  name  is  Grace  h. 

For  in  this  we  groan  earneftly,  defiring  to  be  cloathcd  upon 
with  our  houfe  which  is  from  heaven.  <v.  *.  For  we  that 
are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan,  being  burdened:  not  for 
that  we  would  be  unclothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that  mor- 
tality might  be  fwallowed  up  of  life. 

/  Ads  xvi.  24,  25.  The  jailor,  having  received  fuch  a 
harge,  thruft  them  into  the  inner  pvifovi,  and  made  their 
,'eet  fair,  in  the  flocks.  And  at  midnight  Paul  and  Silas 
prayed,  and  fang  praifes  unto  God.  2  Tim.  ii  9.  Where- 
in I  fufifer  trouble  as  an  evil  doer,  even  unto  bonds ;  but 
the  word  of  God  is  not  bound.  ?,  Cor.  vi.  &.9  ?..  But  in  all 
thing,  approving  ourfelves  a?  the  minifters  of  God,  in  much 
patience,  in  afHiSions,  in  neceffitics,  in  diftre(Tes,  in  ftripes, 
in  imprifonments,  in  tumults,  in  labours,  in  watchings,  in 
tattings. 

a  Hof.  i,  o.  Then  faid  God,  Call  his  name  Lo-arrmi  : 
for  ye  are  not  my  people,  and  I  will  not  be  your  God. 
And  ii.  t.  Say  ye  unto  your  brethren,  Ammi,  and  to  your 
fillers,  Ruhamah.  <v.  11.  And  X  will  have  mercy  upon 
her  that  hud  not  obtained  mercv,  and  I  will  fay  to  them 
which  were  not  my  people,  Thou  art  my  people;  and  they 
ftiall  (ay,  Thou  art  my  God. 

f  *  ••  «       *  f  t 


C 

fe 


mon.  ilim.  1.  15.  This  is  a  raicmul  laying,  ana  wor- 
thy of  all  acceptation,  that  Chritt  jefus  came  into  the 
world  to  fave  finners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  Ifa.  Jxii.  c, 
t,.  And  the  Gentiles  ihall  fee  thy  righteoufnefs,  and  all 


fcl 

w 


.     ivwu     his.    vjtunio    141  <tn     itg    uiiy     ii^nn.wiiuii,i.i,    «"«    **»*• 

ings  thy  glory  :  and  thou  lhalt  be  called  by  a  new  name, 
vhkh  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  ihall  name.     Thou  lhalt  alfo 


Seel.  IX.  The  Believes  Riddle,  219 

Mod  fitly  I'm  aflimilare 

To  various  things  inanimate  ; 

A  Handing  lake  c,  a  running  flood  d> 

A  fixed  ftar  ef  a  pafling  cloud  f, 

A  cake  untiimM,  nor  cold,  nor  not  g\ 
A  veffei  found  hy  a  broken  pot  i : 
A  rifmg  fun  k>  a  drooping  wing  /  ; 
A  flinty  rock  m,  a  Bowing  tyring  >:. 

be  a  crown' of  glory  in  the  hind  oF  the  Lord,  and  a  royal 
diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God. 

r  Jer.  xlvJii.  tl.  Moab  hath  been  ac  eafe  From  his 
routh,  and  he  hath  fettled  on  his  lees,  and  hnth  not  been 
^-rptied  from  vciTel  to  veflel,  neither  hath  he  gone  into 
captivity;  therefore  his  tafte  remained  in  him,  and  his 
ictnt  ii  nor  changed. 

d  Ifa.  xliv.  3.  I  will  pour  writer  upon  him  that  is  thirf- 
ty,  and  floods  :ipon  the  drv  ground  :  I  will  pour  my  Spirit 
upon  thy  feed,  and  my  bletfing  upon  thine  offspring. 

e  Dan.  xii.  %.  And  they  that  be  wife,  mall  ihine  as  the 
brioKtnefs  of  the  firmament  ;  and  they  that  turn  many  to 
righteoufnef?,  as  the  ftars  For  ever  and  ever — And  in  op- 
pofition  to  thofe  called  Wandering  ftars,  Jude  T3. 

f  Hof.  vi.  <j.  O  Ephraim,  what  fhail  I  do  unto  thee? 
O  Judab,  xi-h.it  fhall  I  do  unto  thee  ?  for  your  good nefs  is 
as  3  morning-cloud*  and  as  the  early  dew  it  qoeth  away. 

cr  Hof.  vii.  8.  Ephraim,  he  hath  mixed  himfelf  among 
the  people.  Ep  brain*  ii  a  cake  not  turned.  Rev.  iii.  ic. 
2  know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold  nor  hot  j  I 
would  thou  wert  cold  or  hot. 

b  Rom.  ix  -I.  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over  the  clay, 
of  the  fame  luT.p  to  make  one  vefTel  unto  honour,  and  ano- 
ther unto  di  {honour? 

;  Pfal  xxxi.  12.  lam  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of 
mind  :  I  am  like  a  broken  reflet. 

k  Matth.  xiii.  4-;.  Then  Xhall  the  righteous  fliine  forth 
as  the  fun,  in  tne  kingdom  of  their  Father. 

/  Pfal.  Ir.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like  a 
dove  !  for  then  would  I  flv  away,  and  be  at  reft. 

m  Zech.  vii.  12.  They  made  their  hearts  as  an  adamant 
ftone,  left  they  fliould  hear  the  law,  and  the  words  which 
the  Lord  of  hofts  hath  fent  in  his  Spirit  by  the  former  pro- 
phets . 

n  John  iv.  T3,  74.   Jefus  anfwered  and   faid  unto  hcij 


22©  Gospel   Sonne-;-.         Part  III. 

A  rotten  beam  e9  a  virirl  ftem  p; 
A  menft'rous  cloth  q%  a  royal  gem  r; 
A  garden  barr'd/,  an  open  field  /  ; 
A  gliding  dream  t,  a  fountain  feal'd  u. 

Of  various  vegetables  fee 

And  fair  and  lively  map  in  me. 


'vVhofoever  dnnketh  of  the  water  that  T  inall  give  him.,, 
shall  never  thirft:  but  the  tfrater  that  I  fhall  give  him, 
fhall  be  in  him  a  we'l  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everlafting 
life. 

o  Ifa.  xvii.  c,  to.  In  that  day  mall  his  firong  cities  be 
as  a  for  fa  ken  noOgli,  and  an  uppermoft  branch,  which  they 
left,  hecaufe  of  the  children  of  Ifrael;  and  there  mall  be 
defolation.  Pecaufe  thou  haft  forgotten  the  God  of  thy 
faivarion.  and  halt  not  been  mindful  of  the  rock  of  thy 
itrength:  therefore  malt  thou  plant  plesfant  plants,  and 
ihalt  itz  it  with  ft  range  Tips.  Chap,  xxvii.  it.  When  the 
boughs  thereof  are  withered,  they  mall  be  broken  off:  the 
women  come  and  fet  them  on  fire  :  for  it  is  a  people  of  no 
under/landing,  &c. 

t  Pro  v.  xi.  28.  The  righteous  mall  Bourifli  as  a  branch. 
PfaL  xcii.  12,  1-.  The  righteous  moll  flourifh  like  the 
palm-tree;  he  ihail  grow  like  the  cedar  in  Lebanon.  Thole 
that  be  planted  in  the  hotife  of  the  Lord,  mail  fiouriih  in 
the  courts  of  our  God. 

■  q  Ifa.  xxx.  22  Ye  mail  defile  aifo  the  covering  of  thy 
graven  images;  of  iilver,  and  the  ornament  of  thy  molten 
images  of  gold  :  thou  malt  caft  them  away  as  a  menltruous 
cloth  j  thou  mall  fay  unto  it, Get  thee  hence.  Chap.  lxiv.  6. 
But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  ail  out  rightcouf- 
nelTes  as  flthv  ra^s. 

r  Ifa.  lxii.  3.  Thou  malt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory  in 
the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of 
thy  God. 

f  Song  iv.  12.   A  garden  inclofed  is  mv  lifter,   my  froufe.. 

5  Matth.  xiii.  2^,  2;.  Another  parable  put  he  foith  un- 
to them,  faving.  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a 
man  which  fowed  good  feed  in  his  field  :  but  while  men 
flept,  his  enemy  came  and  fowed  tares  among  the  wheat, 
and  went  his  way. 

t  Song.  iv.  5.  [My'fifter  is]  a  foiinrain  oT  gardens,  a 
.'well  of  living  watery  and  dream:,  from  Lebanon. 


Sea.    IX.  7bt   Bditver's    Riddk.  221 

A  fragrant  rofe  v}  a  noifome  weed  «tw; 
A  rotting  .v,   yet  immortal  fee  J  y. 

l'na  with'ring  krafs  z,  and  growing  corn  a  ; 
A  plcalant  plant  b,  an  frkfome  thorn  c  : 
An  empty  vine  d,   a  fruitful  tree  e  ; 
An  humble  fhtub  f,  a  cedar  high^. 

u  Song  iv.  12.  A  Jpiing  fhut  up,  a  fountain  fealed  is 
mv  fiite  r ,  m y   uo  u  ■  e . 

i>  lia.  1  a.  kxxV*  I.  The  wildernefs  and  the  folitary 
place  fhall  he  glad  for  them;  and  the  defart  (hall  rejoice, 
and  bloiToin  as  the  rofe. 

Mu  v.  4-  What  could  have  been  dene  more  to  my 
vineyard,  that  I  have  notr  done  in  it?  wherefore  when  I 
looked  that  it  mould  bring  forth  grapes,  brought  it  forth 
wild  grapes. 

x  Gen.  iii.  19.  In  the  fweat  of  thy  face  malt  thou  eat 
bread,  til  1  thou  return  unto  the  ground;  for  out  of  it 
wait  thou  taken :  for  duft  thou  art,  and  unto  dull  malt 
thou  return* 

y  1  Pet.  i.  23.  Being  born  again,  not  of  corruptible 
feed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God  which 
lavetrh  and  abideth  for  e\  er. 

z  Ifa.  xl.  7.  The  grafs  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth ; 
becaufe  the  Spirit. of  the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it :  furely 
the  people  is  grafs. 

a  Hof.  xiv.  7-  They  that  dwell  under  his  ikadow  mail 
return,  they  ihall  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as  the 
vine  :  the  fcent  thereof  fnall  be  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon. 

b  I: a.  v.  7.  The  vineyard  cf  the  Lord  of  hofts  is  the 
hou'e  of  Ifrael,  and  che  men  of  Judah  his  pleafant  plant. 

c  Mic.  vii  4.  T he  be  ft  cf  them  is  a  brier ;  the  moll 
upright  is  fharper  than  a  tho  n-Hiedge: 

d  Hof.  x.  i.  Ifrael  is  an  empt)  vine,  he  bringeth  forth 
fruit  unto  him.clf. 

e  Pfal.  i.  3.  And  he  (hall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the 
rivers  of  w a:  er,   that  brh  his  fruit  in  his  dea- 

fen; his  leaf  alfo  mail  net  wither,  and  whatfbever  he 
dc^:l.  (hall  pro  per. 

j  ;i.  5,  6.  He  [a  great  eagle]  took  alfo  of  the 

fecc1  oj  land,  a*rd   plai  ted   ir  in  a  fruitful  field,  he 

placed  it  fcg  gieat  wa1  I  Jct  it  at  a  willow- tree. 

,  ;:d  it  grew,  and  bee  g  vine  of  low  ftature, 


222  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

A  noxious  brier  hy  a  harmlefs  pine  /  ; 

A  faplefa  twig  ky  a  bleeding  vine  /: 

A  liable  fir  m\  a  pliant  bufh  n  ; 

A  noble  oak  o,  a  naughty  rufll  p. 

i 

whofe  branches  turned  toward  him,  and  the  roots  there- 
of were  under  him  :  To  it  became  a  vine,  and  brought 
forth  branches,  and  fhct  forth  fprigs.  r.  24.  And  all 
the  trees  of  the  field  ill  all  know  that  I  the  Lord  have 
brought  down  the  high  tree,  have  exalted  the  low  tree, 
have  dried  up  the  green  tree,  and  have  made  the  dry 
tree  to  fiourifh  :  I  the  Lord  have  fpoken  and  have  done 
it.  Mark  iv.  30,  31.  And  Jefus  laid,  Whereunto  fhall  we 
liken  the  kingdom  of  God?  or,  with  what  comparifon 
fhall  we  somoare  it  ?  It  is  like  a  grain  of  muftard-feed, 
which,  when  it  is  fown  in  the  earth,  is  lefs  than  all  the 
feeds  that  be  in  the  earth. 

g  Pral.  xcii.  12.  The  righteous  fhall  grow  like  a  cedar 
in  Lebanon. 

h  Mic.  vii.  4.  See  letter  c. 

/  Ira.  xli.  19.  I  will  fet  in  the  de fart  the  fir-tree,  and 
the  pine,  and  the  box-tree  together. 

k  John  xv.  4-  Ab  de  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the 
branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itfelf,  except  it  abide  in  the 
vine  ;  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  v,  6.  If 
a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is  caii  forth  as  a  branch,  and 
is  withered. 

/  John  xv-  5-  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches:  lie 
that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth 
forth  much  fruit;  for  without  me  ye  can  do  nothing. 
Song  ii.  13.  The  fig-tree  putteth  forth  her  green  figs, 
and  the  vines  with  the  tender  grape  give  a  good  fmell. 
v.  15.  Take  us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes  that  fpoil  the 
vines;  for  our  vines  have  tender  grapes. 

m  Ifa.  Iv.  13.  Inflead  of  the  thorn  fhall  come  up  the 
fir-tree,  and  inftead  of  brier  fhall  come  up  the  myrtle-tree  s 
and  it  mall  be  to  the  Lord  for  a  name,  for  an  everlafting 
fign  that  fhall  not  be  cut  off.  And  lx.  1 3.  The  glory  of 
Lebanon  fhall  come  unto  thee,  the  fir-tree,  the  pine- 
tree,  and  the  box  together,  to  beautifv  the  place  of  my 
fan&uary,  and  I  will  make  the  place  of  my  feet  glorious. 

n  Matth.  xi.  7.  And  as  they  departed,  Jefus  began  to 
•fay  unto  the  multitudes  concerning  John,  What  went 


Setf.   IX.  The  Believer's   Riddle.  22 J 

W'nh  fe*i/i fives  I  may  compare, 
While  1  their  various  natures  (hare  ; 
Their  diftin£t  names  my  jnftly  (bit 
A  ftrange,  a  reafonable  brute  q. 

The  facred  page  my  ftare  defcribes 
From  volatile  and  reptile  tribes  ; 
From  uglv  vipers  r,   beauteous  birds/*; 
From  (baring  hods  /,  and  fwinilh  herds  /. 


out  into  the  wildernefs  to  fee?  A  reed  fhaken  with  the 
wind  ? 

o  Ifa.  vi.  13.  But  yet  in  it  lhall  be  a  tenth,  and  it  (hall 
return,  and  ihall  be  eaten  ;  as  a  teil-tree,  and  as  an  oak 
whofe  fubftance  is  in  them,  when  they  caft  their  leaves  : 
fo  the  holy  feed  mall  be  the  fubftance  thereof. 

f  Ifa.  lviii.  5.  Is  it  fuch  a  faft  that  I  have  chofen?  a 
day  for  a  man  to  afHicl:  his  foul  ?  is  it  to  bow  down  his 
head  as  a  bulrulh,  and  to  fpread  fackcloth  and  afhes  un- 
der him  ?  wilt  thou  call  this  a  faft,  and  an  acceptable  day 
to  the  Lord  ? 

q  Ffal.  Ixxili.  22.  So  foolifh  was  I  [Afaph],  and  igno- 
rant :  I  was  a  beaft  before  thee-  Prov.  xxx.  2.  Surely  I 
[ Agur]  am  more  brutifh  than  any  man,  and  have  not  the 
underftanding  of  a  man. 

r  Matth.  iii.  7.  But  when  John  faw  many  of  the  Pbari- 
fees  and  Sadducees  come  to  his  baptifm,  he  faid  unto  them, 
O  generation  of  vipers,  &rc. 

/Song.  ii.  12.  The  time  of  thefinging  of  birds  is  come, 
and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land. 

s  Ifa.  lx.  8.  Who  are  thefe  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as 
the  doves  to  their  windows  ? 

*  Matth.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto  the 
dog^,  neither  caft  ye  your  pearls  before  fwine,  left  they 
trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and  rent 
you.  2  Pet.  ii.  22.  But  it  is  happened  to  them  accord- 
ing to  the  true  proverb,  The  dog  is  turned  to  his  own  vo- 
mit again  :  and  the  fow  that  was  warned  to  her  wallowing 
in  the  mire. 


224  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

I'm  rank'd  with  beafts  cf  diflTrent  kinds, 
With  fpiteful  tygers  u,  loving  binds  v\ 
And  creatures  of  diftinguiftYd  forms, 
With  mounting  eagles  ix)f  creeping  worms  :»% 

A  mixture  of  each  fort  I  am  ; 

A  hurtful  fnakejr,  a  harmlefs  lamb  z  ; 

A  tardy  afs  a,   a  fpeedy  roe  b  ; 

A  lien  hold  cy  a  tim'rous   doe  */• 


u  Pfal.  xxii.  1 6.  For  dogs  have  compafTed  me,  the  afc 
fembly  of  the  wicked  have  inclofed  me  :  they  pierced  my 
hands  and  my  feet.  Phil.  iii.  2.  Beware  of  dogs,  beware 
of  evil-workers,  beware  of  the  concifion. 

y  Pfal.  xviii.  33.  God  maketh  my  feet  like  hinds  feet, 
and  fetteth  me  upon  my  high  places.  Pro  v.  v.  19-  Let 
her  [the  wife  of  thy  youth]  be  as  the  loving  hind,  and 
pleai'ant  roe ;  let  her  breafts  fatisfy  thee  at  all  times,  and 
be  thou  always  ravifned  with  her  love. 

•w  Ifa.  xl.   31. They  mall  mount  up  with  wings  as 

eagles. 

*  Pfal.  xxii.  6.  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  nc  man.  Ifa. 
xli,  1 4-  Fep.rnot,  thou  worm  Jacob,  and  ye  men  oflfra- 
el,  fee. 

y  Pfal.  lviii.  4.  Their  poifon  is  like  the  poifbn  of  afer- 
pent ;    they  are  like  the  deaf  adder  that  ftoppeth  her  ear. 

r  John  xxi.  15.  So  when  they  had  dined,  Jefus  faith 
to  Simon  Peter,  Simon  fon  of  Jonas,  iovcit  thou  me  more 
vhan  thefe  I  He*  faith  unto  him,  Ye?.,  Lord;  thou  fcfibw- 
eft  that  I  love  thee.     He  faith  unto  him,  Feed  my  lambs. 

a  Job  xi.  12.  Vain  man  would  be  wif£,  thotigh  man 
be  born  like  a  wild  afrs  colt. 

5  Frov.  vi.  5.  Deliver  thyfelf  [my  for.]  as  a  roe  from 
the  hand  of  the.  hunter. 

c  Pro  v.  xxviii.   1.  The  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion. 

d  Ifa.  ii.  19.  And  they  fh all  go  into  the  holes  of  the 
rocks,  ana  into  the  caves  of  the  earth,  for  fear  of  the. 
Lord,  and  for  the  glory  cf  his  Majeily,  when  he  arifeth 
to  (hake  terribly  the  earth. 


Setf.  X.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  225 

A  flothful  owl  e,  a  bufy  ant/*;     ' 

A  dove  fen  mourn  g^  a  lark  to  chant  h  : 

And  with  lei's  equals  to  compare, 


Au  ugly  toad  #'.  an  an^tl  fair  k. 


SECT.     X. 


The  myftery  of  the  faints  old  and  new  man  further  de- 
fcribed;  and  the  means  of  their  fpiritual  life. 

TEMPTATIONS  breed  me  much  annoy  <?, 
Yet  divers  ilich  I  count  all  joy  £. 


- 

e  PfaL  cii.  6.  I  am  like  an  owl  of  the  defart. 

j  Prov.  vi.  6.  Go  to  the  ant,  thou  Haggard,  confide r 
her  v.  ays,  and  be  wife,  &rc. 

£•  Ifa.  xxxviii.  14.  Like  a  crane  or  a  fwallow,  fo  did  I 
chatter  :  I  did  mourn  as  a  dove ;  mine  eyes  fail  with  look- 
ing upward  :  O  Lord,  I  am  oppreiTed,  undertake  for  me. 
Ezek.  vii.  1 6.  But  they  that  e  fcape  of  them  [Ifrae  1] ,  fhal  1 
e  fcape,  and  (hall  be  on  the  mountain',  like  doves  of  the 
valleys,  all  of  them  mourning,  every  one  for  his  iniquity. 

b  Sang  ii.  12.  The  time  of  the  finging  of  birds  is  come, 
and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our  land. 

i  Rom.  ill-  13 — The  poifon  of  afps  is  under  their  lips. 
Job.  xl.  Behold,  I  am  vile,  what  fnall  I  anfwer  thee  1 
I  will  lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 

k  Acts,  vi.  15.  And  all  that  fat  in  the  council,  looking 

fte         [y  on  him  [Stephen!,  faw  his  face  as  it  had  been 

-  oi  an  arg:i.     2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all  with  oper* 

ce,  beholding  a:,  in  a  glafsj  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are 

ringed  into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  g-lory,  even 

by  the  Sprit  of  the  Lord. 

a  Heb.  xii.  11.  Now  no  chartering  for  the  prefent  feem- 
eth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous,  &:c.  1  Tet.  i.  6.  Where- 
in ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a  feafon  (if  need  be) 
ye  are  in  heaviness  through  manifold  temptations. 

b  James  i.  2.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall 
iatt        ;r:  temptations. 


226  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III. 

On  earth  I  fee  cqnfufions  reel  c, 

Yet  wifdom  ord'ring  all  things  well  d. 

I  ileep,  yet  have  a  waking  ear  t  \ 
I'm  blind  and  deaf,  yet  lee  and  hear/": 
Dumb,  yet  cry  Abba,  Father ,  plain  gt 
Born  only  once,  yet  bom  again  k. 

c  Pfal.  lxxxii.  5.  They  know  not,  neither  will  they 
underftand ;  they  walk  on  in  darknefs :  all  the  founda- 
tions of  the  earth  are  out  01  courfe. 

d  Pfal.  xxix.  10.  The  Lord  fitteth  upon  the  flood: 
yea,  the  Lord  fitteth  King  for  ever.  And  lxxxix.  9. 
Thon  ruleft  the  raging  of  the  fea  :  when  the  waves  there- 
of arife,  thou  flilleft  them.  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we 
know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them 
that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to 
his  purpofe. 

e  Song  v.  2.  I  fleep,  but  my  heart  waketh  :  it  is  the 
voice  of  my  Beloved  that  knocketh,  faying,  Open  to  me, 
my  filler,  my  love,  my  dove,  my  undetiled :  for  my 
head  is  filled  with  dew,  and  my  locks  with  the  drops  of 
the  night. 

/  Ifa.  xlii.  18,  19.  Hear,  ye  deaf,  and  look,  ye  blind, 
that  ve  may  fee.  Who  is  blind,  but  mv  fervant?  or 
deaf,  as  my  melTenger  that  I  feat?  who  is  blind  as  he 
that  is  perfect,  and  blind  as  the  Lord's  fervant?  And 
xxxv.  5.  Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind  mall  be  opened,  and 
the  ears  of  the  deaf  mall  be  unftopped. 

g  Ifa.  xxxv.  6.  Then  fhall — die  tongue  of  the  dumb 
flag  :  for  in  the  wildemefs  mall  waters  break  out,  and 
ftreams  in  the  defart.  Rom.  viii.  15.  For  ye  have  not 
received  the  fpirit  of  bondage  again  to  fear ;  but  ye  hare 
received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba, 
Father. 

b  John  ill-  3, — 5.  Jefus  anfwercd  and  faid  unto  him, 
[Nicodemus],  Verily,  verily  I  fay  unto  thee,  Except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  fee  the  kingdom  of  God- 
Nicodemus  faith  unto  him,  How  can  a  man  be  born  when 
he  is  old?  can  he  enter  the  fecond  time  into  his  mother's 
womb,  and  be  born  ?  Jefus  anfwered,  Verily,  verily  I 
fay  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the 
Spirit,  h?  cannot  ent~r  into  the  kingdom  of  God.     That 


Sea.  X.  The  Believes  Riddle.  227 

My  heart's  a  mirror  dim  and  bright  /', 
A  compound  ftrange  of  day  and  night  k  : 
Or  dung  and  di'monds,  drwfs  and  gold  / ; 
Of  funimer  heat,  and  winter  cold  ?//. 

Down  like  a  ftone  I  fink  and  dive  ti, 
Yet  daily  upward  ibar  and  thrive  0. 

which  is  born  of  the  flefhj  is  flefli:  and  that  which  is 
born  of  the  Spirit,  i3  fpirit. 

i  Lam.  v.  17.  For  this  our  heart  is  faint,  for  thefc 
things  our  eyes  are  dim.  Ifa.  xxxii.  3-  And  the  eyes  of 
them  that  fee,  fhall  not  be  dim,  &:c. 

k  Zech.  xiv.  7.  But  it  fhall  be  one  day,  which  fhall 
be  known  to  the  Lord,  not  day,  nor  night:  but  it  inall 
come  to  pafs,  that  at  evening  time  it  fhall  be  light. 

/  Mai.  ii.  3.  Behold,  I  will  corrupt  your  feed,  and 
fpread  dung  upon  your  faces,  evert  the  dung  of  your  fo- 
lemn  feairs,  and  one  fhall  take  you  away  with  it.  Phil, 
iii.  8.  Yea  doubtlefs  and  I  count  all  things  but  lofs,  for 
the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chriir.  Jeius  my  Lord  i 
for  whom  I  have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do 
count  them  but  dung  that  I  may  win  Chrift.  Iia.  lxii.  3. 
Thou  ihalt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God.  Ifa.  i. 
25.  And  I  will  turn  my  hand  upon  thee,  and  purely  purge 
away  thy  drofs,  and  take  away  all  thy  tin.  Job  xxiii.  10. 
God  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take  :  when  he  hath  tried 
me,  I  fhall  corne  forth  as  gold. 

m  Pfal.  xxxix.  3.  My  heart  was  hot  within  me,  while  I 
was  mufing  the  fire  burned.  Lukexxiv.  32.  And  they 
faid  one  to  another,  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us, 
while  he  talked  with  us  by  the  wav,  and  while  he  opened 
to  us  the  fcriptures?  Matth.  xxiv.  12.  And  becaufe  iniqui- 
ty fhall  abound,  the  love  of  many  fhall  wax  cold.  Rev.  ii. 
4.  Neverthelefs,  I  have  fomewhat  againfl  thee,  becaufe 
thou  haft  left  thy  firft  love. 

n  Pfal.  xlii.  6.  7.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  caft  down 
within  me :  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the 
land  of  Jordan,  and  of  the  Hermonites,  from  the  hill  Mi- 
zar.  Deep  calieth  unto  deep,  at  the  noife  of  thy  water- 
fpouts  :  all  tiy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me. 
0  Pfal.  xlii.  87  9.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  lov- 


223  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III, 

To  heav*n  I  fly,  to  earth  I  tend  p  ; 
Still  better  grow,  yet  never  mend  q. 

My  heav'n  and  glory's  fnre  to  me, 
Though  thereof  feldom  fure  I  be  r  : 

ing  kindnefs  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night  his  fong 
lhall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my  life. 
I  will  fay  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  haft  thou  forgotten  me  \ 
why  go  I  mourning  becaufe  of  the  oppreflion  of  the  enemy  ? 
v.  if.  Why  art  thou  caft  down,  O  my  foul  ?  and  why  art 
thou  difquieted  within  me  ?  hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  will 
yet  praife  him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance  and 
my  God. 

p  Col.  iii.  i,  2.  If  ye  then  be  rifen  with  Chri.it,  feek 
thofe  things  which  are  above,  where  Choir,  fitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God.  Set  your  affections  on  things  above, 
not  on  things  on  the  earth.  Pfal.  xljv.  25.  Our  foul  is 
bowed  down  to  the  dud  :  our  belly  cleaveth  unto  the 
earth. 

jHof.  xiv.  5.  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifrael :  he  ihall 
grow  as  the  lily  and  caft  forth  his  roots  as  Lebanon,  v. 
7.  They  that  dwell  under  his  fhado-w  (hail  return,  they 
lhall  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as  the  vine  :  the  fcent 
thereof  fhall  be  as  the  v/ine  of  Lebanon.  Phil.  iii.  12,  13* 
1 4-  Not  as  though  I  had  already  attained,  either  were 
already  perfect:  but  I  follow  after,  if  tliat  I  may  appre- 
hend that  for  which  I  alfo  a.m  apprehended  of  Chriir.  Jefus. 
Brethren,  I  count  not  myfelf  to  have  apprehended:  but  this 
one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  thofe  things  which  are  behind, 
and  reaching  forth  unto  thofe  things  which  are  before,  I 
prefs  toward  the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of 
God  in  Chrift  jefus.  Rom.  vii.  23.,  24.  But  I  fee  another 
law  in  my  members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind, 
and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is 
in  my  members.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  fnail  de- 
liver me  from  the  body  of  this  death. 

r  John  xiv-  2,  3.  In  my  Father's  houfe  are  many  man- 
fions  ;  if  it  were  not  fo^  I  would  have  told  you  :  I  go  to 
prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for 
you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myfelf,  that 
where  lam,  there  ye  maybe  alfo.  2  Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore 
the  rather  brethren,  give  diligence  to  make  your  calling 
and  election  fure.     Keb.  iv.   1.    Let  us  therefore  fear, 


Sect,  X.  The  Believer's   Riddle.  22$ 

Yet  what  make*  me  the  furer  is, 
God  is  my  glory/,   I  am  his  /. 

My  life's  expo>\l  to  open  view  t, 
Yet  tlofety  hid  and  known  to  few  a. 
Some  know  my  place,  and  whence  I  came! 
Yet  neither  whence,  nor  where  I  am  v> 

I  live  in  earth,  which  is  not  odd  j 
Bui  lo,  I  alio  live  in  God  ou : 

A  Spirit  without  flefh  or  blood, 

Yet  with  them  both  to  yield  me  food  Hi 

left  aprdmi  e  being  left  us  of*  entering  into  Lis  reft,  Hhy 
of  you  mould  feem  to  come  (hort  of  it. 

j Pfd.  iii.  3.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  fhield  for  me  \ 
my  glory^  and  the  lifter  up  of  mine  head.  la.  Ix.  19.  The 
fun  lhall  be  no  more  thy  light  by  day,  neither  for  bright- 
nefs  lhall  the  moon  give  light  unto  thee,  but  the  Lord 
mail  be  unto  thee  an  everlailing  li^ht,  and  thy  God  thy 
glory. 

j  I(a.  xlvi.  \%.     1  will  place  falvatian  in  Zlon  for  Iirael 
my  glory,     z  Cor.  viii.   23.  Whether  do  any   enquire   of 
Titus,  he  is  my  partner,  and  fellow-helper  concerning 
you  :  or  our  brethren  be  inquired  of.  thev  are  theffeileii- 
gers  of  Lhe  churches,  and  the  glory  of  Chrift* 

t  P:al.  zvliv.   13.  Thou  makefl  us  a  reproach  to  ou. 
neighbours,  a  fcorn  and  a  derifion  to  them  that  are  round 
about  us. 
u  Col.  iii.  3.  Your  life  is  hid  with  Chrift  in  God. 
v  John  iii.  9,   10.  Nicodemus  arifwered  and  faid  unto 
him,  How  can  thefe  things  be?  Jems  am'wered  and  faid 
unto  him,  Art  thou  a  mafrer  of  Ifrael,  and  kiioweifc  not 
thefe  things?     Prov.  xiv.  io.  The  heart  knoweth  his  own 
bitternels ;  and  a  itranger  doth  not  intermeddle  with  his 
.i°y*   l  J0Iin  iv.  J  6.  And  we  have  known  and  believed  the; 
love   that  God  hath  to  us.     God  is   love;   and   he   thi.c 
dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

iu  Gal.  ji.  20.     I  am  crucified  with   Chrift  :  Neverthe- 
less  I  live,  yet  not  I,  but   Chrift  liveth  in  me:  and   the 
life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flefh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the. 
Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf  for  me. 
*  John  iv.  24.     God  is  a  Spirit',  aud  tfcev  that  v.  or  this 

M  4 


230  Gospel    Sonnets         Part  III, 

I  leave  what  others  live  upon, 

Yet  live  I  not  on  bread  alone  i 

But  food  adapted  to  my  mind, 

Bare  words,  yet  not  on  empty  wind^ 

I'm  no  Anihropopaglte  rude, 

Though  fed  with  human  fiefh  and  blood  , 

But  live  fuperlatively  fine, 

My  food's  all  fpirit,  all  divine  z. 

I  feaft  on  fulnefs  night  and  day  a7 
Yet  pinch'd  for  want  I  pine  away  bP 

him,  muft  worlhip  him  in  Spirit  and  in  truth.  And  vL 
53?  54,  55-  Then  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  [the  Jews]r 
V  erily,  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Except  ye  eat  the  fiefn  of 
the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in 
you.  Whcfo  eateth  my  fleJK,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  hath 
eternal  life,  and  I  will  raife  him  up  at  the  laft  day.  For 
my  nefn  is  mc-:.r  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 

y  Matth.  iv.  4-  But  jefus  anfwered  and  faid  [unto  the 
tempter,]  It  is  written,  man  mail  not  live  by  bread  a- 
lone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth 
of  God.  Jer.  xv.  16.  Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  did 
eat  them  :  and  thy  word  was  unto  me  the  joy  and  rejoic- 
ing of  mine  heart,  for  1'aixi  called  by  thy  name,  O  Lord 
God  of  hofls. 

z  John  vi.  57,  58.  As  the  living  Father  hath  lent  mc, 
and  I  live  5y  the  Father:  fohe  that  eateth  me,  even  he 
ill  all  live  by  me.  This  is  that  bread  which  came  down 
from  heaven  :  not  as  your  fathers  did  eat  manna,  and  are 
dead  :  he  that  c  i  of  this  bread  mail  live  forever,     v. 

63.  It  is  the  Spirit  that  quickeneth,  the  fleili  prof. teth 
nothing:  the  words  that  I  fpeak  unto  you,  they  are  fpirit 
and  they  are  life. 

el  Ifa.  xxv.  6.  And  in  this  mountain  fhatt  the  Lord  of 
holts  make  unto  all  people  a  feaitof  fat  things,  a  feaft  ot 
wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines 
on  the  lees  well  refined. 

b  Ifa.  xli.  1 7.  When  the  poor  and  needy  feek  water, 
and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  faileth  for  thirft,  I 
the  Lord  will  hear  them,  I  the  God  of  Ifrael  will  not  for- 
fake  them,     Pfal.  xl  i  7.  But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet 


Sea.  X.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  23* 

My  leannefs,  leannefs,  ah  !  I  cry  c  ; 
Yet  fat  and  full  of  fap  am  I  d. 

As  all  amphibious  creatures  do, 
I  live  in  land  and  water  too  e  : 
To  good  and  evil  equal  benty^ 
I'm  both  a  devil  g,  and  a  faint  h. 

While  fome  men  who  on  earth  are  gods  #,  - 
Are  with  the  God  of  heaven  at  odds  k> 

the  Lord  thinketh  upon  me :  thou  art  my  help  and  my 
deliverer,  make  no  tarrying,  O  my  God. 

c  Ifa.  xxiv-  1 6.  From  the  uttermoft  part  of  the  earth 
have  we  heard  fongs,  even  glory  to  the  righteous:  but  I 
faid,  My  leannefs,  my  leannefs,  wo  unto  me  :  the  treach- 
erous dealers  have  dealt  treacheroufly ;  yea,  the  treach- 
erous dealers  have  dealt  very  treacheroufly. 

d  Pfal.  xcii-  13,  14.  Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the 
houfe  of  the  Lord,  fhall  flourifh  in  the  courts  of  our  God. 
Thev  fhall  ftill  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  a^e  :  thev  fhall  be 
fat  and  fiourifhing.  And  civ.  16.  The  trees  of  the  Lord 
are  full  of  fap  :  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  he  hath 
planted. 

e  Pfal.  cxvi.  9.  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  .the 
land  of  the  living.  And  lxix.  1,  2.  Save  me,  O  God, 
for  the  waters  are  come  in  unto  my  foul.  I  fink  in  deep 
mire,  where  there  is  no  ftanding  s  I  am  come  into  deep 
waters,  where  the  floods  overflow  me.  And  lxxxviii. 
17.  Thy  terrors  come  round  about  me  daily  like  water, 
they  compared  me  about  together. 

/  Rom.  vii.  21.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I  would 
do  good  evil  is  prefent  with  me. 

g  John  vi.  70.  Jefus  anfwered  them,  Have  not  I  cho- 
fen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil  ?  And  viii.  44. 
Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil,  and  the  lufts  of  your  Fa- 
ther ye  will  do.  James  iii.  15.  This  wifdom  defcendeth 
not  from  above,  but  is  earthly,  fenfual,  devilifh. 

h  1   Cor.  vi.   11.  And  fuch  were  fome  of  vou :  but  ye 

are  wafhed,  but  ye  are  fanclified,  but  ye  are  jufrified  in 

the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God. 

i  Pfal. '  lxxxii.  6.  I  have  faid,  Ye  are  gods :  and  all  of 

you  are  children  of  the  Moft  High. 

k  Pfal.  lxxxii.  ij  2.  God  ftandeth  in  the  congregation 


?3*  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

My  heart,  where  hellifh  legions  are  /♦ 
Is  with  the  holts  of  hell  at  war  m. 

My  will  fulfils  what's  hard  to  tell. 
The  counfel  both  of  Heav'n  n  and  hell  o  \ 
Heav'n  without  fin,  wiUV.  fin  to  be  p  ; 
Yet  will  tP  fin,  is  fin  in  me  q. 

of  the  mighty :  he  judgeth  amor^  the  gods.  Kow  long 
will  ye  judge  unjuftly,  and  accept  the  perfons  of  the 
wicked?  Selah.  v-  5.  They  know  not,  neither  will 
they  underftand  :  they  walk  on  in  darknefs  :  all  the  founr 
jdations  of  the  earth  are  out  of  courTe. 

/  Matth.  xv.  19*  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts,  fahc- 
witnefs,  blafphemie3.  Luke  viii.  30.  And  Jefus  afked 
him,  faying,  What  is  thy  name  ?  and  he  faid,  Legion  f 
becaufe  many  devils  were  entered  into  him. 

vi  Eph.  yi.  12.  For  we  wreftle  not  againft  flefh  and 
blood,  put  againft  principalities,  againft  powers,  againft 
the  rulers  of  the  darknefs  of  this  world,  againft  fpiritual 
wickedne's,  in  high  places. 

n  Rev.  xvii.  17.  For  God  hath  put  in  their  hearts  to 
fulfil  his  will,  and  to  agree,  and  give  their  kingdom  unto 
the  be?,  ft,   until  the  words  of  God  mall  be -fulfilled. 

0  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  aKo  we  all  had  our  con* 
verfation  in  times  pair,  in  the  lufts  of  our  fiefn,  fulfilling 
the  defires  of  the  flefh,  and  of  the  mind;  and  were  by 
nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

p  James  L  13  Let  no  man  fav  when  he  is  tempted,  I 
am  tempted  of  Gpd :  for  (3od  cannot  be  tempted  with  e* 
vil,  neither  tempteth  he  anv  man-  Afts  i.  X#  16.  And'in 
thole  days  Peter  flood  up  in  the  midft  of  the  difciples, 
and  faid,  Men  and  brethren,  this  fcripture  muft  needs 
have  b2en  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy  Ghoft  by  the  mouth 
of  David  fpake  before  concerning  Judas,  which  wa^  guide 
to  them  that  took  Jerus.  And  ii.  23  Jefus  of  Nazareth, 
being  delivered  by  the  determinate  coun  el  and  foreknow^ 
ledge  of  God,  ye  have  taken,  and  bv  wicked  hands  have 
cruchled  and  (lain.  And  iv.  27,  28.  For  of  a  truth,  zi<< 
gainft  thy  holy  child  Jefus,  whom  thou  haft  anointed, 
both  Herod  and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and 
|he  people  of  LVael  were  gathered  tpgether,  for  to  do 


Sea  XI.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  233 

To  duty  leldom  I  adhere  r, 
Yer  to  the  end  1  perfevere/. 
1  die  and  rot  beneath  the  clod  /, 
Yet  live  and  reign  as  long  as  God  to 

S  E  C  T.     XI.  * 

The  myftery  of  Christ,  his  names,  natures,  and  ofEces. 

M  Y  Lord,  appears  ;   awake,   my   foul, 
Admire  his  name,  the  Wonderful  a% 

whatfoever  thv  hancl  and  thv  counfel  deter mined  before 

*  * 

to  be  done. 

q  Hof.  v.  ir.  Ephraira  is  opprefTecl,  ar.d  broken  in 
judgment,  because  he  willingly  walked  af:er  the  com- 
mandment. 2  Cor.  viii.  11,  12.  Nov/  therefore  per- 
form the  doing  of  it;  that  as  there  was  a  readinefs 
to  will,  fo  there  may  be  a  performance  alfo  out  of  th 
which  you  ha^e.  For  if  there  be  rirft  a  willing  mind,  it 
is  accepted  according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  accord- 
in^  to  that  he  hath  not. 

r  Pfal.  cxin.  1  76.     I  have  gone  aftray  like  a  loft  flieejp, 
feek  thy  fervant  :  for  I  do  not  forget  thy  commandments. 
•  f  Heb.  x.  39.     But  Ave  are  not  of  them  who  draw  buck 
unto  perdition ;  but  of  them  that  believe  to  the  faving  oi' 
the  foul. 

s   Pfal.  y.c  3.  Thou  turncft  man  to  deftruclion ;  arid 
filyeff,  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

t  John  v.  24.  Verily,  verily,  I  fay  unto  you.  He  that 
heareth  my  word,  and  believe':1!  on  him  that  feht  me, 
hath  bverlalring-life,  and  fhall  not  come  to  condemnation  ; 
but  is  parTed  from  death  unto  life.  Rev.  iii.  21.  To 
him  that  overcome  th  will  I  prant  to  rit  with  me  in  mv 
throne,  even  as  I  alb  overcame^  and'am  fet  down  with 
my  Father  in  hii  throne.  And  x>:ii.  5.  Am-  there  fnal 
be  no  night  there,  and  they  need  no  candle,  neither  light 
of  the  fun;  for  the  Lord  God  giveth  them  light. :  and 
they  fhall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

a  I  fa.  ix.  6.     Far  unto  us  a  child    is  born,  unto  us  a 
fon  is  given,  and  the  government  fhall  be  upon  his  fhoul-  ' 
(Jsr  :  and  his  name  fhall  be  called,  Wonderful-. 

M  2 


$34  Gospel    Sonnets. 

An  infinite  and  finite  mind  b, 
Eternity  and  time  conjoir/d  c. 

VTle  evsrlafting  Father  ftyl'd, 
Yet  lately  born,  the  virgin's  child  df 
Nor  father  he,  nor  mother  had, 
Yet  full  with  both  relations  clad  c. 

Jlis  titles  differ  and  accord, 

As  David's  (on.  and  David's  Lord/. 


Part  III, 


b  Pfal.  cxlvii.  5.  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  pow- 
er: his  underftanding  is  infinite.  Luke  ii.  £5.  And  Jefus 
increased  in  wifdGm  and  ftature,  and  in  favour  with  God 
~nd  man. 

c  Gal.  iy,  4-- But  when  the .  fulnefs.  of  the  time  was; 
come,  God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law. 

d  Ifa.  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  horn—:  and  his 
liame  friali  be  called—The  ever'aftim:  Father.  Matth. 
j.  23.  Beheld,  a  virgin  fhall  be  with  child,  and  (hall  bring, 
forth  a  Son,  and  they  (ball  call  his  name  Emmanuel,, 
which  being  interpreted,  is,  God  with  us. 

e  lieb.  vii.  3  For  this  Me  1c hi :'e dec,  £rc— rvithout  fa* 
iher,  without  mother,  without  descent,  ha.  ing  neither 
beginning  of  days,  nor  end  cf life;  bat  made  like  unt© 
the  Son  cf  God,  abide  lb'  a  prieft  continually.  Luke  ii. 
/-8,  49.  And  when  they  few  him,  they  were  amazed  :  and 
his  mother  (aid  unto  him,  Son,  why  hail  thou  fo  dealt 
With  us:  behold,  thy  father  and  I  have  fought  thee  for  . 
rowing.  And  he  -aid  unto  them,  How  is  it  that  ye  fought 
me?  Wilt  ye  not  that  I  muft  be  about  my  Father's  buii- 
nefs  ? 

/Matth.  xii.  41, — 45.  V/hile  the  T>-a:iccs  were  ga- 
thered together,  Jems  afKed  them,  faying,  What  think 
ye  of  Chrift?  who.'e  Ton  is  he  J  They  lav  unto  him,  The 
5bn  of  David.  Jie  fa,ith  unto  them,  How  then  doth  David 
in  fpirit  call  him  Lord,  faying,  The  Lord  faid  unto  my 
Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my  right  hard,  till  I  make  thine  ene- 
mies thy  foot ilooH  If  David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  i* 
he  hii  fan  i  &c. 


Se£    XI.  Tie  Buuver  s  Riddle.  235 

Through  earth  and  hell  how  conqn'ring  rode 
The  dying  man,  the  riling  God  g 

]\ly  nature  i*  corruption  doo'ttVd  /; : 
Yet  when  my  nature  he  aijum'd, 
He  nor  on  him  (to  drink  the  brrok)  / 
My  pcrion  nor  corruption  100k  k. 

g  Matth.  v.v\.  5  Tcllyc  the  daughter*  cfZxr,  Ee? 
hold,  t ay  King  come th  tmto  thee,  meek,  and  fitting  up-: 
on  ana'',  and  a  colt  the  lord  cf  ail  a.'s.  v.  8,  9.  And  a. 
very  great  multitude  rpread  their  far  me  ruts  in  the  way: 
others  ci it  chwn  blanches  from  the  tree?>  and  flravcd 
them  in  tl  e  v  ay.  And  the  multitude  that  went  before, 
and  that  followed,  cued,  faying,  Holarna  to  tf  e  Son  of 
David :  bleiled  is  he  that  ccrr-eth  in  the  name  cf  the  Lord, 
Hofanixa  [n  the  ! .-ighefi.  v.  12.  Ajid  Jefus  -went  into  the 
temple  of  God,  and  cad:  cut  all  them  that  fold  and  boupnt 
ii  the  temple,  and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money- 
changer-, and  feats  of  them  that  fcld  doves.  Co],  ii.  15. 
And  having  spoiled  principalities  andpowe;-.,  he  made  a 
flbew  of  them   openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it  [his 

ofs].  Rom.  iv.  25.  Jefus  our  Lord  was  delivered  for 
our  offences  and  -was  raied  again  for  our  jufuficaticn. 
Eph.  iv.  8.  .  Wheiefcre  he  [David]  fait!1,  When  he  aft 
cended  up  on  high,  he  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave 
gifts  unto  men.  Rem.  i.  4.  Jefus  (Thrift  cur  Lord  -a:  der 
clare4  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to  the 
ipirit  of  holinefs,  by  the  refurrcction  from  the  dead. 

h  Eph.  iv.  22.  Put  off  concerning  the  former  cenvcrfa- 
tion,  the  old  man  which  is  corruot  according  to  the  de- 
ceitful lulls. 

i  Ffah  ex.  7.  He  {nail  drink  of  the  brook  in  the  vay  i 
therefore  (hail  he  lift  up  the  head. 

k  Rom.  vliL  3-  God  lent  his  own  Son,  in  the  iikenefs 
pf  Cnful  flelh,  and  for  fin  condemned  iin  in  t>-e  flefh, 
John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flefli,  and  dwelt  a- 
mong  us  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  on- 
ly begotten  of  the  Father]  full  of  grace  and  truth.  Luke 
i.  35-  And  the  angel  aniw'ered  and  faid  unto  Mary,  The 
Holy  Ghoit  (hall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the 
{iigheit  {hall  overfimdo-v  thee  :  therefore  alfo  that  hpiv 


236 


Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 


Yet  he  afFuin'd  my  fin  and  guilt  /, 
For  which  the  noble  blood; was  fpilt. 
Great  was  the  guilt-o'erflowing  flood, 
The  creature's  and  Creator's  blood  m\ 

The  Chief  of  chiefs  amazing  caroe  n. 
To  bear  the  glory  and  the  lliame  0  ; 

thing  which  .(hall  be  born  of  thee,  fuall  be  called  the  Son 
oTGod.  Heb.  ii.  16.  For  verily,  he  took  not  on  him  the 
nature  of  angels :  but  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of  Abra- 
ham. And  vii.  26,  27.  For  fuch  an  High  Prieft  became 
us,  who  is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefiled,  feparate  from  fin- 
ners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens;  who  needeth 
not  daily,  as  thofe  high  priefts,  to  offer  up  facrifice,  firft 
for  his  own  iins}  and  then  for  the  people's :  for  this  he 
did  once,  when  he  offered  up  himfelf. 

/  Ifa.  liii.  5,  6.  All  we  like  fheep  have  gone  aftray : 
we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way,  and  the  Lord 
hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  2  Cor.  v.  2i. 
God  hath  made  Chrift  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  fin  ; 
that  we  mi^ht  be  made  the  ri^hteoufhefs  of  God  in  him. 
Matth.  xx.  28.  The  Son  of  man  came  to  give  his  life  a 
ranfom  for  many. 

m  Rom.  iii.  25.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to, be  a  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righ- 
teouinefs  for  the  remiflion  of  fins  that  are  pad,  through 
the  forbearance  of  God.  Acts  xx.  2S.  Feed  the  church 
of  God,  which  he  hath  puvchafed  wkh  his  ov.n  blood. 
1  Pet.  i.  18,  19,  For  as  much  as  ye  know  that  ye  v.  ere 
not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  filver  and  gold, 
from  your  vain  conversation  received  by  tradition  from 
your  fathers;  but  with  the  precious  bb  >d  of  Chrit,  as 
of  a  Lamb  without  blemifti  and  without  fpot-  in  iii. 

16.  Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God,  becau  c  he  laid 
down  his  life  for  us. 

n  Rev.  i.  4?  5.  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from 
— Jefus  CtaSft,  who  is  the  faithful'witnefs,  and  the  firft 
begotten  of  foe  dead,  and  the  prince  of  the  kings  of  the 
earth; 

'  c  Zech.  vi.    12,   13.   Behold,  the  man  who'e  name  is 
the  BRANCH— he   mail  "build  the  temole  of  the  Lord, 


1 .  d  he  lhall  b 


- ' 


Keb.  xii.   2.  Jeiu:,  for  t". 


Peft.  XI.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  137 

Anointed  Chief  with  oil  of  joy  py 

Crown'd  Chief  witl)  thorns  of  fhafrp  annoy  7, 

Lo,  in  his  white  and  ruddy  face 
Roles  and  liliec  frrive  for  place  r  ; 
The  morning-liar,  the  riling  fun 
With  equal  ipeed  and  fplendour  run/. 

How  glorious  is  the  church's  head, 
The  Son  of  God,  the  woman's  feed  s  ! 
How  fearchlefs  is  his  r.oble  clan  /, 
The  firft,  the  lall,  the  tecond  man  u  ! 


1 


joy  that  was  fe the fb re  hirrij  ehdured  the  crofs,  defpifmg 
the  (hame,  &:c. 

p  Pfal.  xlv.  7.  Thou  loveft  righteoufnefs,  and  hatefr. 
wickednefs  :  therefore  God,  thy  God,  hath  anointed  thee 
with  the  oil  of  gladnefs  above  thy  fellows. 

q  Matt,  xxvii.  29.  And  %rhen  they  had  platted  a 
crown  of  thorns,  they  put 'it  upon  his  head,  and  a  reed 
in  hk  right  hand  :  and  they  bowed-  the  Jcnee  before  him, 
and  mocked  him,  laying,  Hail  king  of  the  Jews. 

r  Song  ii.  1.  I  am  the  rofe  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of 
the  v  alb  vs.  And  v.  10.  My  beloved  is  white  and  ruddy, 
the  chleieft  among  ten  thousand. 

/Rev.  xxii.  if).  1  [Jefus].  am  the  root  and  the  oft- 
fpring  of David,  and  the  bright  and  morning  ftar.  Mai, 
iv.  2.  But  unto  you  that  fear  my  name,  mail  the  Sun  of 
righteoufnefs  arife  with  healing  in  his  wings ;  and  ye 
fhall  go  forth  asd  grow  up  as  calves  of  the  flail. 

s  Col.  i.  18.  And  Chriit  is  the  head  of  the  body,  the 
church  :  who  is  the  beginning,  the  firft  born  from  the 
dead  ;  that  in  all  things  he  might  have  the  pre-eminence. 
John  iii.  16.  God  lb  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whofoever  believeth  in  him, 
fhould  not  perifh,  but  have  everlasting  life-  Gen.  iii. 
15.  And  I  [the  Lord  God]  will  put  enmity  between  thee 
and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  feed  and  her  feed;  it 
ihall  brui  e  thy  head  and  thou  fhalt  bruife  his  heel. 

t  Ifa-  liii.  8.  Pie  was  taken  from  pri  on  and  from 
judgment:  and  who  fhall  declare  his  generation?  Prov. 
2cxx.  4.  Who  hath  aicendefi  up  into  heaven,  or  defcend- 


238 


Go  spei    Sonnets. 


Part  III. 


With  equal  brightnefs  in  his  face, 
Shines  divine  juftice,  divine  grace  v; 
The  jarring  glories  kindly  meet, 
Stern  vengeance  and  compafficn  fweet  *w. 

God  is  a  Spirit,  feems  it  odd 

To  ling  aloud  the  blood  of  God  x. 

Yea,  hence  my  peace  and  joy  refult, 

And  here  my  lafting  hope  is  built  y. 
ed  \  who  hath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  lifts  \  who  hath 
bound  the  waters  in  a  garment?  who  hath  eftablifhed  all 
the  ends  of  the  earth?  what  is  his  name,  and  what  is  his 
Son  name,  if  thou  canft  tell  ? 

u  Rev.  i.  ii.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firft  and 
the  laft.  i  Cor.  xv.  45  •  The  laft  Adam  was  made  a 
quickening  fpirit.  v.  47.  The  fecond  man  is  the  Lord 
from  heaven. 

v  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  For  God  who  commanded  the  light  to 
fliineoutofdarknefs,hath  mined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of 
Jefus  Chrift.  Rom.  iii.  24,  25,  26.  Being  juftified  freely 
by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption,  that  is  in  Jefus 
Chrift:  whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefq 
for  the  remiffion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through  the  for- 
bearance of  God;  to  declare  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righ- 
teoufnefs  :  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of  him 
which  believe tli  in  Jefus.  Eph.  i.  6,  7.  To  the  praife  of 
the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted 
in  the  beloved :  in  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of  fins  according  to  the  riches 
of  his  grace. 

iv  Rom.  v.  2D,  21.  But  where  fin  abounded,  grace"  did 
much  more  abound:  that  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto  death, 
even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  right e oil fnefs  unto  e- 
ternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Pfal.  lxxxv.  10. 
Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together :  righteoufnefs  and 
peace  have  killed  each  other. 

x  John  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worfhip 
him,  muft  worfhip  him  in  fpirit  and  in  truth.  Afrs  xx, 
28.  Feed  the  church  of  God  which  he  hath  purchafed  with 
his  own  blood. 


Sea.  XI.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  239 

Love  through  his  blood  a  vent  has  fought, 
Yet  divine  love  was  never  bough: : 
JVJercy  could  never  purchas'd  be, 
Yet  ev'ry  mercy  purchas'd  he  z. 

His  triple  ftation  brought  my  peace, 
The  Altar,  Prieft,  and  Sacrifice  a  ;    . 
His  triple  office  ev'ry  thing, 
My  Prieft,   my  Prophet  is,  and  King  b. 

y  Rom.  v.  r.  Therefore  being  juftified  by  faith,  we  have 
peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  v.  10. 
For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God 
the  death  of  his  Son  :  much  more  being  reconciled,  we 
fhall  be  faved  by  his  life.  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  Be  ready  always 
to  give  an  anfwer  to  every  man  that  afketh  you  a  reafon 
of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meeknefs  and  fear.  v.  18. 
For  Chrift  hath  alfo  once  fuffered  for  fins,  the  juft  for  the 
unjuft,  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God),  being  put  to  death 
in  the  flefli,  but  quickened  by  the  Spirit. 

z  Rom.  v.  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  juilifled  by 
his  blood,  we  fhall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 
t.  21.  See  letter  w.  John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world, 
that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whofoever  be- 
lie veth  in  him,  ihould  not  perifh,  but  have  everlafling  life. 
Rom.  ix.  15.  God  faith  to  Moles,  I  will  have  mercy  on 
whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  companion  on 
whom  I  will  have  companion.  Eph.  i.  3-  BlefTed  be  the 
God  .and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  who  hath  blef- 
icd  us  with  all  fpiritual  bleflings  in  heavenly  places  in 
Cirri  ft. 

a  Hcb.  iii.  io.  We  have  an  altar  whereof  they  have  no 
right  to  eat,  which  ferve  the  tabernacle.  And  ii.  17. 
Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to  be  made  like 
unto  his  brethren  ;  that  he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faith- 
ful high  prieft,  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  re- 
conciliation for  the  fins  of  the  people.  And  ix.  26.  But 
now  once  in  the  end  of  the  world,  hath  Chrift  appeared  to 
put  away  fin  by  the  facrifice  of  himft- If. 

b  Acts  vii.  37.  This  is  that  Mofes  which  faid  unto  the 
children  of  Ifrael,  A  prophet  fhall  the  Lord  your  God 
raife  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him 
mall  ye  hear.     Ifa.  xxxiii.  22.  The  Lord  h  our  Jud^c, 


240 


Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  III* 


This  King,  who  only  man  became, 
Is  both  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  c : 
A  King  of  kings,  and  kingdoms  broad  d$ 
A  fervant    both  to  man  and  God  e. 

This  Prophet  kind  hirrifelf  has  fet 
To  be  my  book  and  alphabet, 

the  Lord  is  our  Lawgiver^  the  Lord  is  our  King*  hi  will 
lave  us. 

c  i  Tim.  iii.  16.  And  without  cemtroverfy,  great  is  the 
myilery  of  godlinei's  i  God  was  manifeft  in  the  flefh,  Src. 
Rev.  v.  5,  6.  A-.id  one  of  the  elders  faith  unto  me  [John],- 
Weep  not:  behold,-  the  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the 
root  of  David,  hath  prevailed  to  open  the  bookf  and  to 
loofe  the  feven  feals  thereof.  And  I  beheld,  and  lo,  in 
the  midft  of  the  throne^  and  of  the  four  beafls,  and  in  the 
midft  of  the  elders  flood  a  Lamb  as  it  had  been  Ha  in, 
having  feven  horns,  and  feven  eyes,  which  are  the  feveli 
Spirits  of  God  Tent  forth  into  all  the  earth,  v.  12.  Wor- 
thy is  the  Lamb  that  was  flain,  to  receive  power,  and 
riches,  and  wisdom,  and  itrengthj  and  nonour,  and  glo- 
ry, and  bleiling. 

d  Rev.  xix.  16.  And  he  [the  Word  of  God]  hath  on  his 
vefture  and  on  his  thigh  a  name  written,  KING  OF 
KINGS,  AND  LOPJ)  OF  LORDS.  Ifa.  xxxvii.  15,  tfc 
And  He.:ekiah  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  faying,  O  Lord  of 
holts,  God  of  Ifrael,  that  dwelled  between  the  cherubimsj 
thou  art  the  God,  even  thou  alone,  of  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  earth,  thou  haft  made  heaven  and  earth.  Rev.  y.i. 
15.  And  the  feventh  angel  founded,  and  there  were  great 
voices  in  heaven,  faying,  The  kingdoms  of  this  world 
are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Chriil, 
and  he  (hall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

e  Matth.  xv.  2'3.  The  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  minif- 
tred  unto,  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his  life  a  ranfom 
for  many.  Phil.  ii.  7.  Chriir.  Jefus  made  himfelf  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  a  fervant,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeritfs  of  men.  Ifa.  xlli.  1.  Behold  my" 
fervant  whom  I  uphold,  mine  elect  in  whom  my  foul  de- 
lighteth.  And  liii.  1 1.  Ey  bis  knowledge  ftiall  mj  nghte- 
©us  fervaat  juitify  many. 


Sea.  XII.  The  Biliever%  &MJU.  H 

And  ev'ry  needful  letter  plain, 
Alpha,   Qtn<?g*j  aiid  Amen/* 


SbCT,     XII. 

The  myftery  cf  the  Believer's  fixed  flare  further  enlarg- 
ed ;  and  his  getting  forth  out  of  evil. 

BEHOLD,  I  am  all  defil'd  wiih  fin  a, 
Vet  lo,  all  glorious  am  within  b. 
In  Egypt  and  in  Gothen  dwell  c  ; 
Still  cioyelefs,  and  in.motioa  itill  d. 


f  Rev.  i.  8.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and, 
the  ending,  faith  the  Lord,  which  is,  and  which  was,  and 
which  is  to  come,  the  Almighty,  v.  II.  I  am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  firit  and  the  lad:  and,  What  thou  [John] 
fee  ft,  write  in  a  book,  and  fend  it  unto  the  (even  church- 
I  i  which  are  in  Alia  And  xxi.  6.  I  am  Alpha  and  Ome*- 
ga,  the  beginning  and  the  end  :  I  will  give  unto  him  that 

atbirft,  <~>f  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely. 
And  xxii  13.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and 
the  end,  the  ti r£t  and  the  Lid.  And  iii.  14.  And  unto  the 
angel  oi'  the  church  of  trie  Laodiceans,  write/  TLcie 
things  faith  the  Amen,  the  faithful  and  the  true  witiieis, 
tUe  beginning  of  the  Creadon  of  oodj  &.e. 

a  I  a.  ...  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing, 
and  all  our  riffhteou    effes  are  as  iilthv  ra^s. 

h  pi'al.  xlv.  13.  The  King' 3  daughter  is  all  glorious 
Within  :  her  clothing  is  of  wrought  gold. 

c  Pfal.  cs-x.  5,  6.  Wo  is  me  that  I  fojourn  in  Mefech, 
that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar.  My  foul  bath  long 
dwelt  with  him  that  hateth  peace.  And  xvi.  5,  6.  The 
1. 3rd  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance,  and  of  my  cup: 
thou  malntaineit  my  lot.  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me 
in  pica' ant  places  !  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

d  1  Cor.  xv.  5^.  Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be 
ye  ftedfaft,  unmoveabie,  always  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  forafmuch  as  you  know  that  your  labour  U 
not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

N 


242  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III- 

Unto  the  name  that  mod  I  dread, 
I  flee  with  joyful  wings  and  fpeed  <r. 
My  daily  hope  does  mod  depend 
On  him  I  daily  mod  offend/ 

All  things  againft  me  are  combin'd, 
Yet  working  for  my  good,  I  find^. 
I'm  rich  in  midfk  of  poverties  h, 
And  happy  in  my  miferies  u 

Oft  my  Comforter  fends  me  grief, 
My  Helper  lends  me  no  relief  £. 

e  Pfal.  cxiii.  2.  O  Lord  enter  not  into  judgment  v/itH 
thy  fervant:  for  in  thy  fight  mall  no  man  living  be  justi- 
fied, v.  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  enemies  :  I 
flee  unto  thee  to  hide  ins. 

/  Pfal.  xxv.  II.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  pardon 
mine  iniquity;  for  it  is  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  O  Lord,  tho* 
our  iniquities  teftily  againft  us,  do  thou  it  for  thy  name's 
fake :  for  our  backilidings  are  many;  we  have  finned  &- 
gainft  thee. 

g  G»n.  xiii.  3$.  And  Jacob  their  father  faid  unto  them, 
Me  have  ye  bereaved  of  my  children  :  Jofeph  is  not,  and 
Simeon  is  not,  and  ye  will  take  Benjamin  away :  all  thefe 
things  are  againft  me.  Rom.  viii.  23.  And  we  know  that 
all  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 
h  Rev.  ii.  8,  9.  And  unto  the  angel  of  the  church  ot 
Smyrna  write,  Thefe  things  faith  the  firft  and  the  Uft, 
which  was  dead  and  is  alive  ;  I  know  thy  works,  and  tri- 
bulation, and  poverty,   (but  thou  a':t  rich). 

i  Ron.  v.  3,  4,  5.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  gbry  in  tri- 
bulations alfo,  blowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience  ; 
and  patience,  experience;  and  experience,  hope;  and 
hope  maket'ii  not  alha.ned,  becaufe  the  love  of  God  h 
)aied  abroad  in  our  hearts  b.v  tne  Holy  Oho  ft  which  is  given 
unto  us.  2  Cor.  xii.  ID.  Therefore  I  [Paul]  take  plea- 
fure  in  infirmities,  in  reproaches,  in  neceOTities,  in  per- 
fections, in  di.freiTes  for  Chriit's  fake  :  for  when  I  am 
weak,   then  an  I  ftrong. 

k  Lam.  i.  16,  For  thefe  things  I  weep,  mine  eye,  mine 


: 


Scft.  Xlt.  The  foliever's  Rid  Mi.  243 

Yet  herein  my  advantage  lies, 
That  help  and  comfort  he  denies  /, 

As  feamfters  info  pieces  cut 
The  cloth  they  into  form  would  put, 
He  cuts  me  down  to  make  me  up, 
Aod  empties  me  to  fill  my  cup  Pi. 

I  never  can  my felf  enjoy,    . 
Till  he  my  woful  felf  deftroy  ; 
And  muft  of  all  myfelf  I  am, 
When  mod  I  do  my  felf  difUaim  n. 


eye  runneth  down  with  water,  becaufe  the  comforter^ 
that  mould  relieve  my  ioul,  is  far  fVora  me.  Ifa.  xlv.  15. 
Verily  thou  art  a  God  that  hided  thy  felf,  O  God  of  Iirael 
the  Saviour. 

/  la.  xxx.  1 5.  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  wait,  that 
he  may  be  gracious  unto  you,  and  therefore  will  he  be 
exalted,  that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you ;  for  the  Lord 
is  a  God  of  judgment;  blefled  are  all  they  that  v/ait  for 
him. 

m  Hof.  v.  15.  I  will  £0  and  return  unto  my  place,  till 
they  acknowledge  their  offence,  and  feck  my  face  :  in 
their  affliction  they  will  feek  me  early.  And  vi.  1,  2. 
Come  ar.d  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord  :  for  he  hath  torn, 
and  he  will  heal  us ;  he  hath  fmitten ^  and  he  will  bind  us 
uo.  After  two  davs  will  he  revive  us,  in  the  third  dav 
be  will  raife  us  up,  and  we  fhall  live  in  his  light.  Pfalm 
Cvii.  9.  God  fatisricth  the  longing  foul,  and  filleth  the 
hungry  foul  with  goodnefs.  Luke  i.  53.  And  Mary  faid, 
— Pie  hafch  filled  the  hungry  foul  with  good  things,  and 
the  rich  he  hath  lent  empty  away. 

n  Luke  ix.  23,  24.  And  Jefus  faid  to  them  all,  If  any 
man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  hixnfelf,  and  take 
up  his  crois  daily  and  follow  me.  For  whofoever  will 
fave  his  life,  fhall  lofe  it :  but  whofoever  will  lo'e  his 
life  for  my  iake,  the  fame  fhall  fave  it.  Rom.  viii  13. 
If  ye  live  after  the  ile Qi,  ye  fliail  die ;  but  if  ye  through 
the  fphit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  th?  bodv,  ye  flhall  lh  e 
2  Cor.  xii  1  o.  Sec  Utter  i. 


244- 


Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  HI 


I  glory  in  infirmities  o> 
Yet  daily  am  aiham'd  of  thefe  p  : 
Yea,  all  my  pride  gives  up  the  ghoft, 
When  once  I  but  begin  to  boaft  q. 

My  chemiftry  is  moil  exa£t, 
lieav'n  out  of  hell  I  do  extract  r : 

g  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Mod  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather  glo 
ry  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Chrifi  may  re& 
upon  me. 

p  Plalm  lxxiii.  15,  16.  If  I  fay,  I  will  fpeak  thus;  be- 
hold, I  fhould  ofFend  againft  the  generation  of  thy  chil- 
dren. When  I  thought  to  know  this,  it  was  too  painful 
forme.  And  Ixxvii.  8,  9,  10.  Is  his  mercy  clean  gone 
forever?  doth  his  promife  fail  for  evermore ;  hath  God 
forgotten  to  be  gracious;  hath  he  in  anger  lhut  up  his 
tender  mercies?  Selah.  And  I  faid,  This  is  my  infirmity; 
but  I  will  remember  the  years  of  the  rijht  hand  of  the 
Moil  Hi^h. 

q  I  fa.  xlv.  24,  25.  Surely,,  mall  one  fay,  in  the  Lord 
have  I  righteoufhefs  and  ftrenffth:  even  to  him  (hall  men 
come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  againil  him,  mall  be  a- 
fhamed.  In  the  Lord  fnall  all  the  feed  of  Ifraei  be  juiti- 
lied,  and  mail  glory.  Pfalm  xliv.  6.  I  will  not  truft  in 
my  bow,  neither  fhall  ray  fword  lave  me.  v.  8.  In  God 
we  boafl  all  the  day  long:  and  praife  thy  name  forever* 

r  Jonah  ii.  1,  2.  Then  Jonal*  prayed  unto  the  Lord  his 
God  put  "of  the  fiuVs  belly,  and  faid,  I  cried  by  reafon 
of  mine  ami&ibn  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  heard-  me;  out 
ot  the  belly  of  hell  cried  I,  and  thou  heardft  my  voice. 
r.  3.  Then  I  faid,  I  am  cafe  out  of  thy  fight;  ye:  I  \v 
look  again  toward  thy  holy  temple.  Matth.  xv.  26,  2~9 
23.  But  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  [unto  the  woman  of  Ca- 
naan], It  is  not  meet  to  take  the  children's  bread,  and 
to  cai  it  to  dogs.  And  fhe  faid,  Truth,  Lord;  yet  the 
dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which  fall  £roiu  the  mailer's  ta- 
ble. Then  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  unto  her,  O  woman, 
great  is  thy  faith:  be  it  unto  thee  even  as  thou  wilt.  And 
her  daughter  was  made  whole  from  that  very  hour.  Pfal- 
xlii.  6,  7,  3.  O  my  GjJ,  my  foul  is  caft  down  within  me: 
therefore  v,  Hi  I  rcmembjr  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan, 


»a.  XII.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  24> 

This  art  to  me  a  tribute  bring? 
Of  ufeful  out  of  hurtful  things/. 

I  learn  to  draw  good  out  of  woe, 
And  thus  to  difappoint  the  foe  /  ; 
The  thorns  that  in  my  flefh  abide, 
Do  prick  the  tympany  of  pride  t. 

By  wounding  foils  the  field  I  win, 
And  fin  itfelf  deftroys  my  fin  u  : 


and  of  the  Hermonites,  from  the  hill  Mizar.  Deep  call- 
cth  unto  deep,  at  the  noife  of  thy  water-fpouts :  all  thy 
-waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me.  Yet  the  Lord 
will  command  his  loving-kindnefs  in  the  day-time,  and 
in  the  night  his  fong  mall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  un- 
to the  God  of  my  life. 
f  Rom.  v.  3,  4,  5-  See  letter  i. 

j-  Mic.  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againfu  me,  O  mine  enemy: 
when  I  fall,  I  (hall  arife ;  when  I  lit  in  darknefs,  the  Lord 
ihall  be  a  light  unto  me. 

f  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  And  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  mea- 
fure,  through  the   abundance  of  the  revelations,    there 
was  given  to  mc  a  thorn  in  the  flem,  the  meiTenger  of  Sa- 
tan to  buffet  me,  left  I  mould  be  exalted  above  meafure. 
u  Rom.  viii.  35,  37-  Who  fhall  feparate  us  from  the 
loveofChrift?  mall  tribulation,  or  diftrefs,  or  perfecu- 
tion,  or  famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  peril,  orlword?  Nay, 
jn  all  thefe  thing",  we  are  more  than  conquerors,  through 
him  that  loved  us.     Pfal.  lxv.  3.    Iniquities  prevail  a- 
gainft  me  ;  as   for  our  tranfgreilions,  thou  fnalt  purge 
them  away.     2  Chron.  xxxii.   24,  25,  26.  In  thofe  days 
Hezekiah  was  lick  to  death,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord  : 
and  he  fpake  unto  him,  and  he  gave  him  a  fign.    But  He- 
zekiah rendered  not  again,  accordingto  the  benefit  done 
unto  him  :  for  his  heart  was  lifted  up :  therefore  there 
was   wrath  upon  him,  and  upon  Judah   and  Jerufalem. 
Notwithstanding,  Hezekiah  humbled  himfelf  for  the  pride 
of  his  heart,  (both  he  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem), 
fo  that  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the 
days  of  Hezekiah, 


■ 


246  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  HI? 

My  Iqfts  break  one  another's  pate, 
And  each  corruption  kills  its  mate  v. 

I  fmetl  the  bait,   I  y*<?/  the  harm 

Of  corrupt  ways  and  take  th'  alarm* 

1  tafle  the  b;turne!s  of  fin, 

And  then  to  lelifti  grace  begin  i». 

v  Rom.  vii.  7,  8,  0.  What  mall  we  fay  then?  Is  the 
law  fin?  Gcd  forbid.     Kay,  I  had  not  known  fin,  but  by 
the  law  :  for  I  i  ad  not  known  lv.ft,  except  the  lav;  bad 
laid,  Thou  fbalt  not  covet.     But  fin  taking  cccauon  by 
the  commandment,  wrought  in  xue  all  manner  of  concur 
pifcence.     For  without  the  law  fin  was  dead.     For  I  was 
ulive  without  the  jaw  once  5  but  when  the  commandment 
came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.     ?•/**•  For  f:n  taking] 
occafion  by  the  commandment,  deceived  me,  and  by  it 
flew  me.     v.   13.    Was  then  that  which  is  gcod  made 
death  unto  me  ?  God  forbid.  But  fin  that  it  might  appeal 
fm,  working  death  in  me  by  that  which  is  gocd;  that  fin 
by  the  commandment  might  become   exceeding  finful 
Where  you  fee  the  fight  and  feeling  of  fin  killed  f elf.     John 
ix.  39,  40,  41.  And  Jefus  laid,  For  judgment  I  am  come 
into  this  world  :    that  they  which  lee  not,    might  fee, 
and  that  they  which  fee,  might  be  made  blind.    And  fome 
of  the  Pharisees  which  were  with  him,  heard  the'e  words 
y.nd  laid  unto  him,  Are  we  blind  alio?   Jefus  faid  unto 
them,  If  ye  were  blind,  ye  fhould  have  no  fin  :  but  now 
ye  lay,  We  fee;   therefore  your  f:n  remain  eth.    Pfal.  lix. 
n.  Slay  them  not,  left  my  people  forget:  fcatter  them 
by  thy  power;   and  bring  them  down,  O  Lord,  our  fhield, 
Matth.  xxvi.   fjg,  54.  Peter  aniwered  and  faid  unto  him, 
Though  all  men  frail  be  oiler. ded  because  of  thee,  yet 
»  ill  I  never  be  offended.     Jems  faid  unto  him,  Verily  I 
fay  unto  thee,    that  this  night,   before  the  cock  crow, 
thou  fhalt  deny  me  thrice,  1..  75.  And  Peter  remembered 
the  words  of  Jefus,  which  he  faid  unto  him,  Before  the 
cock  crow,  thou  malt  deny  me  thrice.   And  he  went  out, 
r.rd  wept  bitterly. 

iv  Rob*,  vi.  2i.  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  theft  thing?, 
whereof  ye  are  now  afhamed?  for  the  end  of  tho;e  things 
is  death.  Pfal.  six.  n.  Moreover  by  them  (me  judg- 
ment cf  tee  Lord)  is  thy  fcrvajxt  warned  :  and  in  keeping 


Sefl.  XIII.  Tit  Believer's  RidMt.  247 

I  hear  the  fools  profanely  talk, 
Thence  wifdom  learn  in  word  and  walk*: 
\  fee  ihtm  throng  the  pafTa^e  broad, 
And  learn  to  take  the  narrow  road^*. 

SECT.     XIII. 

The  myftery  of  the  faint's  adverfaries  and  adverfities, 

A   Lump  of  woe  affliction  is, 

Yet  thence  I  borrow  Jumps  of  blifs  a  : 

of  them  there  is  great  reward.'  And  lxxiii.  17,  18,  19- 
Until  I  went  into  the  fareluary  of  God:  then  underftood 
I  their  end.  Surely  thou  didft  let  them  in  flippery  places  : 
thou  cafledft  them  down  into  deftructton.  How  are 
they  bi ought  into  desolation  as  in  a  moment!  they 
are  utterly  con  fumed  with  terrors.  Jer.  ii.  J  9  Thine 
own  w  ckedne  s  (ball  coneft  tl  ee,  and  thy  backflidings 
fl-.all  reprove  tl  ee  :  know  therefore  and  ee,  that  it  is  an 
evil  tl  ir-g  and  bitter,  that  thou  hah  foriaken  the  Lord 
tr  Ooci,  and  that  my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  iaith  the  Lord 
Gcd  cf  noilr. 

,r  job.  xxi.  13,  14,  15.  They  fpend  their  days  in 
wealth,  and  in  a  moment  go  do-wn  to  the  grave.  There- 
fore trey  fay  unto  Gcd,  Depart  from  us  :  for  we  defire 
not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.  What  is  the  Almighty, 
that  we  mould  ferve  him  ?  and  what  profit  fhould  we  have 
if  we  pray  unto  him?  Epl}.  iv.  20,  21,  22.  But  ye  have 
not  lb  learned  Chrif:  ;  if  10  be  that  ye  have  heard  him, 
and  have  been  taught  by  him,  as  the  truth  is  in  Jeius  : 
that  ye  put  ofV  concerning  the  former  conversation,  the 
old  man,  which  is  corrupt  accoiding  to  the  deceitful 
luits.  Ard  v.  6,  7,  8.  Let  no  man  deceive  yeu  with  vain 
words  :  for  because  of  thefe  things  cometh  the  wrath  of 
God  upon  tl  e  children  of  diiobed  ence.  Ee  not  ye  theie- 
fore  partakers  with  them.  For  ye  Asere  fome times  dark- 
nc>,  but  now  are  ye  hght  in  the  Lord:  walk  as  children 
of  light,  y.  11.  And  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruit- 
ful work?;  of  darkrefs,  but  rather  reprove  them. 

y  Matth.  vii.  13,  14.  Enter  ye  in  at  the  {trait  gate; 
for  wide  i<;  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way  that  leadeth  to 
destruction,  and  many  there  be  v. hich  go  in  thereat;  be- 


2^3  Gospel    SonIiet^         Part  III, 

Though  few  can  fee  a  blefling  io'r. 
It  is  my  furnace  and  my  mint  /;. 

Its  fharpnefs  does  my  Infts  d  if  patch  c  ; 

Irs  fuddennefs  alarms  my  watch  </, 

Its  bitternefs  refines  my  rafte, 

And  weans  me  from  the  creatures  bread  e. 

Its  weigbtinefs  doth  try  my  back, 
That  faith  and  patience  be  not  flack/*: 
It  is  a  fanning  wind,   whereby 
I  am  unchaff 'd  of  vanity  £. 

oaufe  fhrait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  wjay  which 

leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find  it. 

rf  Heb.  xii.  ri.  Now  no  chaftening  fo.r  the  pre  ent 
feemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous  ;  neverthelefs,  after- 
ward it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteouihefs,  unto 
them  which  are  exere'red  thereby.  James  i.  12  ElefTed 
is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  ;  for  when  he  is 
tried  he  mall  receive  the  crown  of  life,  which  the  Lord 
hath  promifed  to  them  that  love  him. 

b  Ifa.  xxxi.  9.  And  he  [the  A.fiyrian]  Ibafl  pars  over 
tQ  hu  ftrong  hold  for  fear,  and  his  princes  fhall  be  afraid 
of  the  enfign,  faith  the  Lord,  whore  fire  is  in  Zior,  and 
his  furnace  in  Jerusalem.  . 

c  Pfal.  xlv.  5.  Thine  arrows  a^e  fhar^in  the  heart  of 
the  King's  enemies ;  whereby  the  people  fall  under  thee. 
'  d  Mark  xiii.  35,  36,  37.  Watch  ye  therefore,  (for  ye 
know  not  when  the  matter  of  the  hou'e  corneth  s  at  c  en, 
or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock-crowing,  or  in  the  morn- 
ing), left  coming  fuddenlv,  he  find  yon  fleering.  And 
what  I  fav  unto  you,  I  fay  unto  all,  Watch. 

e  Jer.  ii.  19.  See  Utter  w  forec? ted.- And  \v.  1?.  T:r-T 
way  and  thy  doings  have  procured  the'.e  things  unto  thee, 
this  is  thy  wickednefs,  becaufe  it  is  bitter,  becaufe  it 
reacheth  unto  thine  heart. 

/  James  i.   2,  3,  4.     My  brethren,    count   it  all  jov 
when  ye  fall  into  clivers  temptations:  knowing  this,  that 
the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh  patience.     Bu*-  let  pa 
euce  have  her  perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect  and 
entire,  wanting  nothing. 

g  Ifa.  xrcvii.  S,  9.  In  meafure  when  it  fhooteth  foi 


Setf.  XIIT.  The  Believer's   Riddle. 

A  furnace  to  refine  my  grace  h> 
A  wing  to  lift  my  foul  apace  i  ; 
Hence  ft  ill  the  more  I  fob  diftreft, 
The  more  I  fing  my  endlefs  reft  k. 

Mine  enemies  that  feelcmy  hurt, 

Of  all  their  bad  defigns  come  fhort  /  ; 

They  ferve  me  duly  to  my  mind, 

With  favours  which  they  ne'er  defign'cl  m* 

The  fury  of  my  foes  makes  me 
Tad  to  my  peaceful  refuge  flee  ;/  : 


2  49 


thcu  wilt  debate  with  it;  he  ftayeth  his  rough  wind  in 
the  day  of  his  eair  wind.  By  this  therefore  fhall  the  ini- 
quity of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take 
away  his  fin. 

h  Mai.  iii.   3.  And  he  [the  me  Terser  of  the  covenant] 
'  mall  fit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  filver  :  antl  he  fhall  pu- 
rify the  fons  of  Levi,    and  purge  them  as  gold  and  filver, 
that  they  may  oiFer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in  righto- 
oufnefs. 

i  Pfal.  cxjiil.  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  e- 
nemies :  I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

k  2  Cor.  i'y.  16,  17.  For  which  cav.fc  we  faint  not, 
but  though  our  outward  man  perifti,  yet  the  inward  man 
is  renewed  day  by  day.  For  our  light  affliction,  which 
is  bot  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceed- 
ing and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 

/  Pal.  xxxiii.  10.  The  Lord  bringeth  the  counfel  of 
the  Heathen  to  nought;  he  maketfa  the  devices  of  the 
people  of  none  effect. 

m  Gen.  ].  20.  And  Tofeoh  faid  unto  his  brethren — As 
^pr  you,  ye  thought  evil  againif  me  :  bnt  God  meant  it 
pnto  good,  to  bring  to  pafs,  as  it  is  this  day,  to'fave 
much  people  alive. 

n  Pfal.  lv.  23.  But  thou,  O  God,  malt  bring  them 
down  into  the"  pit  of  deftruclion  :  bloody  and  deceitful 
men  fhall  not  live  cut  half  their  dayr  ;  bnt  I  will  trr.il  in 
thee. 

K   1 


afo  Gospel  Sonnets.  Part  III. 

And  evVy  persecuting  elf 

Does  make  me  understand  myfclf  e. 

Their  flandcrs  cannot  work  my  frame  p> 
Their  vile  reproaches  raife  my  name  q ; 
In  peace  with  Krav'n  my  foul  can  dwell, 
E\'yn  when  they  damn  me  down  to  hell  r. 

tf  My  Ji»j  Ifa-  xlih  24.  Who  gave  Jacob  for  a  (bail,  end 
Iirael  to  the  robbers'  did  not  the  Lord,  he  agaiflft  whom 
we  Ylvc  f.nned  :  for  tbev  would  net  walk  in  his  ways, 
neither  v/ere  they  obedient  unto  his  law.  JVly  (fa '7, 
2.  S^m.  xvi.  :;.  12.  And  David  laid  to  Abifhai,  and  to 
ail  his  servants,  Behold,  my  fon  which  came  forth  of  my 
hovels,  feeketh  my  life  ;  hqw  much  more  now  may  this 
Benjamite  do  it  r  let  him  alone,  and  let  him  qur'e  :  for 
the  Lord  hath  bidden  him-  It  may  he  that  the  Lord  will 
look  en  mine  afnicicr,  and  that  the  Lord  will  requite 
me  good  for  his  cuffing  this  day.  JNIic.  vii.  £,  9.  Re- 
joice not  againlr.  me,  0  mine  enemy  :  when  I  fall,  1  fhall 
ari  e ;  when  I  ft  in  darknefs,  the  Lord  mall  be  a  light 
unto  ire.  I  will  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  be- 
cau'e  I  have  finned  againft  him,  until  he  plead  my  caufe, 
and  execute  Judgment  for  me  :  he  will  bring  me  forth  to 
the  light,  and  I  fhall  behold  his  righteofunefs.  Mijafetft 
t?fal.  ix.  9,  lb.  The  Lord  al'o  will  be  a  refuge  1  or  the 
cpprefTed,  a  refuge  in  times  cf  trouble.  And  they  that 
know  thy  name,  wilj  put  their  trail  in  thee.  v.  16.  The 
Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  ho  executeth  :  the 
wicked  h  fnared  in  the  work  cf  his  own  hands.  Kig- 
r-aion,  Seiah. 

p  Pfah  xxxi.  1 3>  t4-  For  I  have  heard  the  fiance r  of 
many,  fear  was  on  every  fide,  while  they  took  covin  el 
together  againfi  me,  they  deviled  to  take  away  my  life 

at  I  trufied  in  thee,  O  Lord :  I  laid,  Thou  art  my  God. 

£  1  Pet.  iv.  14.  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name  cf 
Chrift,  happy  are  ye  ;  for  the  Spirit  c£  glory  and  of  G& 
reiteth  upon  you:  on  their  part  he  is  evil  ipoken  cf,  but 
on  your  part  he  is  glorified. 

;•  Numb,  xxiii.  7,  8.  And  Balaam  took  up  his  parable, 
and  laid,  Ealak  the  king  of  Moab  hath  brought  me  from 
Aram,  out  of  the  mountains  of  eaft,  faying,  Come,  cur'e 
me  Jacob,  and  ccme  defy  Lraeh     How   fhall  I  cu:k\ 


Sea.  XIII.  The  Believes  Riddle*  2$ I 

Their  fury  can't  the  treaty  harm/i 
Their  pailion  does  my  pity  warm  si 
Their  oiadnefs  only  calms  my  blood  /j 
By  doing  hurt  they  do  me  good  u. 

whom  God  hath  not  cur.'ed?  or  how  fhall  I  dcfy,whom  the 
Lord  hath  not  deiied?  v.  23.  Purely  there  is  no  enchant- 
ment againft  Jacob,  neither  is  there  any  divination  a- 
gainil  I  rael  :  accoiding  to  this  time  it  fbail  be  laid  of  Ja- 
cob,  and  of  Israel,  What  hath  Gcd  wrought  ? 

/  Prov.  xxv i.  2.  As  the  biid  by  wandering,  as  the  fwal- 
low  by  flying,   io  the  cur'e  cau  ele  s  mall  not  come. 

s   1  Pet.  iii.  8,  9    Finalh,  be  ye  all  of  one  mind,  hav- 
v  ."inpaffion  ore  of  another,  love  as  brethren,  be  piti- 
ful, be  courteous  ;  not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  railling 
for  railling  \  but  contrariwise,  bleffng;  knowing  that  ye 
are  thereunto  called,  that  ye  mould  inherit  a  blemng. 

t  Pfalrn,  Ixix.  12,  13.  They  that  fit  in  the  gate  i'peak 
againft  me  :  and  I  was  the  long  of  the  drunkards.  But  as 
for  me,  my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  n  an  accepta- 
ble time  :  O  God,  in  the  multitude  of  thy  mercy  hear  me, 
in  the  truth  of  thy  falvation. 

u  Gen.  1.   go.  See  letter  m  force ited.     Either  ix.  20,— 
25.   And  Mordecai   wrote  thefe  things,  and  fent  letters 
unto  all  the  Jews  that  were  in  all  the  provinces  of  the 
King  Ahaluerus,   both  nigh  and  far,  to  fiablifh.  this  among 
them,  that  thy  fhould   keep  the  fourteenth  day  of  the 
month  Adar,  and  the  fifteenth  day  of  the   fame  yearly  : 
as  the  days  wherein  the  Jewsrefted  from  their  enemies, 
and  the  month  which  was  turned  unto  them  from  forrov/ 
to  joy,  and  from  mourning  into  a  good  day  :   that  they 
mould,  make  them  days  of  ieaiHng  and  joy,  and  of  lend- 
ing portions  one  to  another,  and  gifts  to  the  poor.     And 
the  Jews  undertook  to  do  as  they  had  begun,  and  as  Mor- 
decai  h;  d  written  unto  them.     Becauie  Haman  the  fon  of 
Hamm&datba  the  Agagite,   the  enemy  of  all  the  Jews, 
had  devifed  againft   the  Jews  .to  deftroy  them,  and  had 
call  Pur,  (that  is,  the  lot)  to  confume  them,  and  to  def- 
troy them:  but  when  Either 'came  before  the  King,  he 
commanded  by  letters,  that  his  wicked  device  which  he 
devifed  againft   the    Jews,  mould  return  upon  his  own 
head,  and  that  he  and  his  fons  fliould  be  hanged  on  the 
gallows. 


2>2  G  o  s  r  e  l    Sonnets,         Part  HI. 

They  are  my  fordid  Haves  I  ivot  ; 
My  drudges,   though  they  know  it  not  v: 
They  actio  me  a  kindly  "parr, 
With  little  kindnefi  in  /heir  heart  fe; 

-y  Jer.  Xxv.  8,  9.  Therefore  tJiu*  faith  the  Lord  of 
hofts,  Becaufe  ye  have  rot  hea^d  my  tarprds,  behold  I 
will  rend  and  take  all  the  families  of  the  north,  'aith  the 
Lord,  and  Nebuchadrez?ar  the  king  of  Bab- Ion    mv  fer- 

.  yantj  and  will  bring  them  againrt  this  la?d,  and  againft 
rhe  inhabitants  thereof,  and  againfl:  all  the'ie  ha'tions  round 
about,  and  will  utterly  dettroy  them,  and  make  them  an 
aftonimment,  and  an  biffing,  and  perpetual  desolations. 
"V.  12.  And  it  mail  come  to  paf-,  v.  hen  feventv  rears  are 
accomplifiied,  that  I  will  puniih  the  king  of  Babvlon  and 
"hat  nation,  faith  tbe  Loid,  for  their  iniquity,  ard  the 
"and  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  will  make  it  perpetual  defla- 
tions. Ifa.  x.  5,  6.  O  A  (Tynan,  the  rod  of  mine  ?nger 
and  the  ftaff  in  their  hand  is  mine  indignation.  I  will 
rend  him  againft  an  hypocritical  nation  ;  and  again  ft  the 
people  of  my  wrath  will  I  give  him  a  charge  to  take  the 
fpoil,  and  to  take  the  prey,  and  to  tread  them  flown  like" 
*he  mire  of  the  ftreets.  v.  12.  Wherefore  it  mall  come 
to  pars,  that  when  the  Lord  hath  performed  Kis  whole 
work  upon  mount  Zion,  and  on  Jerusalem,  I  will  punifh 
the  fruit  of  the  frout  heart  of  the  king  of  AfiVria,  and 
the  glorv  of  his  high  looks.    And  xliv.  24,  28.  Thus  faith 

(  thy  Redeemer,   and  lie  that  formed  thee  from  the  womb,' 
I  am  the  Lord—that  faith  of.  Cyrus,  He  is  my  fhepherd, 
and  fnall  perform  all  mv  pleafure,  even  faying  to  Jem  fa-' 
lem,  Thou  ihalf  be  built;   and  to  the  temple,  Thy  foun- 
dations (hall  be  laid.    And  xlv.  1.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  to 
Kfe-%nointed,  to  Cvms,  whofe  right  hand  I  have  holder, 
+0  {libdne  nations  before  him :  and  I  will  loofe  the  loins  o£ 
Jungs  fo  open  before  him  the  two-leaved  gate",  and  the 
prates  fhal'  not  be  (hut.  v.  4.  For  Jacob  rrW  fervant's  fake, 
and  Israel  mine  eleeT,  I  have  even   called  thee  by  thy 
Harriet  I  have  furnamed  thee,  though  thou  haft  not  known 

me. 

iv  TVIaT.th.  v.  rfc,  it,  12.  PleiTed  a~c  r'.ev  wnicti  are  per- 
feciVted  for  riffhreoufnefs  fake  :  for  theirs  is  the  kinpdom 
of  heaven.  BlefTed  ave  ye  wb«*i  men  revile  yon,  and  per- 
f?cute  you,  and  fhali  fay  all  maimer  of  evil  againfl:  yocf 


Seen.   XIV.  Th  Believers   RiJJIs.  2 S3 

Thev  fweep  my  onter-honfe  when  foul, 
Yea,  wnfh  inv  inner  fi'rh  offonl  x: 
They  help  ro  purge  away  my  blot, 
For  Moab  is  my  wafting  pot  y. 

SECT.     XIV. 

The  myftery  of  the  Believer's  pardon  and  fecurity  from 
revenging  wrath,  notwithflanding  his  fin's  defert. 

I,  Thongb  {\<y^  condemnation  free, 

Find  fnen  condernnables  in  m?. 

As  make  more  heavy  wrath  my  c'ue 

Than  i alls  on  all  the  damned  crew  a, 

falfely  for  my  fake.  Rejoiee.  and  be  exceeding  glad  i 
for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  :  for  fo  persecuted 
they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you.  Luke  vi.  22, 
23.  Bleiled  are  ye  when  men  ftall  bare  you,  and  wren 
they  ihall  fepavate  yen  from  their  company,  and  frail  re- 
proach Von,  and  caft  out  your  name  as  evil,  for  the  Son 
of  man's  fake.  Kejoice  yc  in  that  day,  ?nd  leap  for  joy  ! 
for  behold,  your  reward  is  great  in  heaves:  for  in  the 
like  manner  did  their  fathers  unto  the  prophets. 

x  Ifa.  iv.  2,  4,  5.  And  it  Ihall  come  to  pafs,  that  he  that 
i'i  left  in  Zion,  and  he  that  remaineth  in  Jerusalem,  ft  all 
be  called  holy,  even  everyone  that  is  written  among  the 
living  in  Jemfalem  :  wlien  the  Lord  ftall  have  wafhed  a- 
-vay  the  filth  of  the  daughters  of  Zion,  and  ftall  have. 
purged  the  blood  of  Jerusalem  from  the  midfr  thereof,  by 
the  ipirit  of  judgment,  and  by  the  fpiritof  burning.  And 
•f-he  Lord  will  create  upon  every  dwelling  place  of  mount 
Zion,  and  upon  her  aiiemblies  a  cloud,  and  fmoke  by  day, 
and  the  ftining  of  a  flaming  fire  bv  night;  for  upon  all 
rhe  gtery  ftall  be  a  Helence.  And  xxvii.  9.  By  this  there-* 
fore  ftall  the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  i*  all 
the  fruit  to  take  away  his  fin;  when  he  maketh  all  the 
jlone^  of  the  altar  as  chalk  fiones  that  are  beaten  in  fun- 
cier,  the  grove"  and  linages  ftall  not  jaard  up. 
.  y  Pral.  lx.  8.  jVTnjib  is  my  waft-pot,  &:c. 

p  Rom,  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  ccrder^na- 


254  Gospel   Sonnets.  Part  III. 

Bm  though  my  crimes  deferve  the  pit, 
I'm  no  more  liable  to  it ; 

■ 

Remiffion  fealcl  with  blood  and  death, 
Secures  me  from  deferved  wrath  b. 

And  having  now  a  pardon  fr^e, 

To  hell  obnoxious  cannot  be; 

Nor  to  a  threat,   except  *  anent  *  about* 

Paternal  wrath  and  chaftifement  c. 

fcion  tc  them  wkich  arc  in  Chrift  Jems,  vvho  walk  not  al- 
ter the  fie  Hi,  but  after  the  Spirit.  And  vil  18.  For  I 
know  that  in  me  (that  is,  in  my  flefh)  dwelleth  no  good 
thing;  for  to  wili  is  prefent  with  me,  but  how  to  perform 
that  which  is  good,  I  find  not.  I  Tim  i.  15,  16.  This  is 
a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave  Tinners ;  of"  whom 
I  am  chief.  Hewbeit,  for  this  caule  I  obtained  mercy, 
that  in  me  firff.  Jefus  Chriif.  might  ihew  forth  all  loug-fuf- 
fering,  for  a  pattern  to  them  which  mould  hereafter  be- 
lieve on  him  to  life  everlailing. 

b  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift.  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curre 
cf  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us :  for  it  is  written, 
Curled  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree.  Rom.  v.  9. 
Much  more  then  being  now  juttified  by  his  blood,  we  fhall 
be  faved  from  wrath  through  him.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom 
we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of 
uns,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace.  ■ 

c  1  Theif.  i.  10.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven, 
whom  he  raifed  from  the  dead,  even  Jefus  which' deliver- 
ed us  from  the  wrath  to  come.  I  fa.  liv.  9,  jo.  For  this 
is  a>  the  waters  cf  Noah  unto  me  :  for  as  I  have  fworn 
that  the  waters  of  Noah  fhould  no  more  go  over  the 
earth;  fo  have  I  fworn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth  with 
thee  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains  fhall  depart, 
and  the  hills  be  removed ;  but  my  kindnefs  fhall  not  de- 
part from  thee,  neither  fhall  the  covenant  of  my  peace 
be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 
Pfalm  lxxxix.  30, — 33.  If  his  children  forfake  my  law, 
and  walk  not  in  my  judgments  :  if  they  break  my  fta- 
tutes,  and  keep  not  my  commandments:  then  will  I  vi- 
fit  their  tranfj^efEon  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity  with 


Sea.  XIV.  The  Believer's    Riddle.  255 

My  foul  may  oft  be  fill'd  indeed 
With  fhvifh  tear  and  hclhfh  dread  d: 
This  from  my  unbelief  does  fpring  e, 
My  faith  fpeaks  out  fome  better  thing. 

Faith  fees  no  legal  guilt  again, 
Though  fin  and  it?  deferts  remain/": 
Some  hidden  wonders  hence  reiiilt : 
I'm  full  of  fin,  yet  free  of  guilt  g  : 

Guilt  is  the  legal  bond  or  knot, 
That  bind*  to  wrath  and  vengeance  hot  h  -y 
But  fin  may  be  where  guilt's  away, 
And  guilt  where  fin  could  never  ftay. 

ftripes.     Neverthelefs  my  loving-kindnefs  vrill  I  no'.:  ut- 
terly take  from  him,  nor  differ  my  faithfulness  tc  fail. 

d  Matth.  xir.  26,  And  when  the  difciples  raw  Jefus 
walking  on  the  fea,  they  were  troubled,  laying,  It  n  a 
fpirit ;  and  they  cried  out  for  fear. 

r  Mark  iv.  4a  And  Jefus  faid  unto  bis  disciple:;,  Wh,y 
are  ye  To  fearful?  how  i>  it  that  you  have  no  faith  I 

f  Rom.  vii  6.  Bat  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law, 
that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held  ;  that  we  fhould 
ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in  the  oldnel's  of  the 
letter.  Chap.  viii.  3,  4-  For  what  the  law  could  not  do9 
in  that  it  was  weak  throurji  the  fiefb,  God  fending  bis 
own  Son  in  the  likenefs  of  (infill  flelh,  and  far  (In  con- 
demned fin  in  the  fiefo:  that  the  righteoufnefs  cf  the  law 
might  be  fulfilled  in  u:,  who  walk  not  after  the  fieflj,  bat 
after  the  Spirit. 

g  Rdtti-  iv.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritnal  s 
feat  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  Chap.  viii.  33,  34. 
Who  {hall  lav  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God':  elect:  Ir 
is  God  that  jufliifieth  :  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is 
Chrift  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is 
even  at  the  right  hand  of  Gcd,  who  alio  maketa  intercef- 
fionfor  us. 

h  Deut.  xxvii.  26.  Curfed  be  he  that  confirmeth  net 
all  the  words  of  this  law  to  do  them  1  and  all  the  people 
fha\l  fay,  Amen.  Rom.  i.  18.  For  the  wrath  of  God  is 
revealed  from  heaven  againfr.  all  uugodimefs,  and  vuv 


2?6 


Gospel    Son-net?* 


Part  III- 


Guilt  without  anv  fin  has  been, 
As  in  my  Surety  may  be  (een, 
The  elect's  guito  upon  him  came. 
Yet  ftiil  he  was  the  holy  Lamb  i. 

Sin  without  guilt  may  like  wife  be, 
As  may  appear  in  pardon'd  me  : 
For  though  my  fin,  alas  !  does  flay, 
Yet  pardon  takes  the  guilt  awav  k. 

Thus  fvee  I  am,   yet  flill  involved  ; 
A  guilty  (inner,   yet  abfolv'd  /: 
Th'ptigh  pardon  leave  no  guilt  behind, 
Yet  fin's  defert  remains  I  find  m. 


rightedufhefi  of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteous 
nefs. 

i  I  fa.  liii.  6.  The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity 
of  us  all.  Heb.  vii.  26.  For  foch  an  High  prieft  became 
us,  v/ho  is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefined,  feparate  from  (ia- 
ners. 

k  Rom.  vii.  24.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  who  (hall- 
deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?  Acls  stiii  3^? 
39-  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  brethren, 
that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto  yon  the  forgive- 
nefs  of  fms  :  and  by  him  all  that  believe  are  jufl  ified  from 
all  things  from  which  ye  could  not  be  juftifed  by  the  iaw 
of  Mefe*. 

/Rom.  iii.  19.  Nov/  we  know  that  what,  things  foevcr 
the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  » 
that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may 
become  guilty  before  God.  v.  23,  24  Potf  all  have  fin- 
ned, and  come  mort  of  the  glory  of  God  ;  being  jutfifed 
f.eelv  bv  his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
JefusChjifc 

in  Rom.  iv.  6,  7,  8.  Even  as  David  al&defcriheth  the 
bleffednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  hnpwteth  righte-i 
oufnefs  without  works,  faying,  BlefTed  are  they  who'e 
iniquities  are  forgiven,  and  whofe  *'. rs  pre  covered.  Bh 
fed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  f'n. 
Prai.  li.  2  4.  for  I  acknowledge  mv  tranfgrefRcn' 
and  my  fin  is  ever  pefore  me.     Againft  thee,,  thee  only: 


Se#.   XIV.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  257 

Guilt  and  demerit  differ  here, 

Tbough  oft' their  names  confounded  are, 

I'nguiltv  in  tn\felf 'always, 

Since  fin's  d    neirit  ever  ltays  n. 

- 

Yet  fa  ?72v  /7'.W  I'm  always  free 
From  proper  guilt  affecting  me  \ 
Becaule  mj  Surety's  blood -cancellM 
The  bond  of  curies  once  me  held  0. 

The  su'df  thv  pardon  did  divorce, 
From  teg*i  threat  nincrs  drew  its  force  p  : 
Bur  iii's  defert  that  lodges  'dill, 
Is  draw  1  from  fin's  intrinfic  ill  q. 

hive  I  G  '  done  tbis  evil  in  thy  fight  :  that  thou   , 

mighleft  be  juftified  when  thou  ipeakel",  and  be  clear 
when  thou  judged.  And  cxliii.  2.  O  Lord,  enter  not 
into  judgment  with  thy  iervant :  for  in  thy  fight  mail  no 
man  living  be  juiiified. 

7;  Rom-  vii.  13,  14.  Was  then  that  which  is  good, 
made  death  unto  me  ?  God  forbid.  But  fin,  that  it  might 
appear  iin,  working  death  in  me  by  that  which  is  good  ; 
fiat  (in  by  the  commandment  might  become  exceeding 
fnful.  F01*  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritual :  but  I  am 
carnal,  J'o!cl  under  fin.  Eph.  v.  6.  Let  no  man  deceive 
v>u  with  vain  words  :  for  becau'e.  of  thefe  things  cometh 
tie  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  ofdifobedience. 

0  Rom-  v.  I.  Therefore  being,  juftijfied  by  faith,  we 
have  peace  with  God,,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chriit. 
%  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  iuftined  by  his  blood, 
\\e  (hall  be  feved  from  wrath  through  him.  ~o.  ri.  And 
n>t  pniv  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord  Je- 
fi$  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received  the.  atone- 
nent. 

p  Gal.  ii*.  JQ,  For  as  many  a-,  are  of  the  works  of  the 
lav,  are  under  the  curie  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is. 
eiery  one  that  conlinueth  not  in  all  things  which  nre 
wjitten  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  v.  1 3.  Christ 
hih  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made 
-  urfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Curled  is  every  one 
it  hangeth  on  a  trc  . 


258  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III. 

Were  guilt  nought  elfe  but  fin's  defert, 
Of  pardon  I'd  renounce  my  part ; 
For  were  I  now  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 
I'd  own  my  Tins  defer ved  hell  r. 

This  does  my  htgheft  wonder  move 
At  mat  chiefs  justifying  love, 
Th.it  thus  fecures  from  endlefs  death  . 
A  wretch  defer ving  double  wrath  f. 

q  Pfal.  H.  4-  See  letter  m  forecited.  Luke  xv.  18.  I 
will  wife,  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  fay  unto  him, 
Father,  I  have  Tinned  againft  heaven,  and  before  thee. 

r  Luke  xv.  i9.WA.1ld  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  call- 
ed thy  fon.  Rev.  v.  4.  And  I  [John]  wept  much,  be«* 
paufe  no  man  was  found  worthy  to  open,  and  to  read 
the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon,  t.  9.  And  theyfung 
a  new  fong,  faying,  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the  took, 
and  to  open  the  feals  thereof:  for  thou  waft  flain,  and 
haft  redeemed  us  to  God  bv  thy  blood,  out  of  every  kin- 
cred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation,  -v.  n,  12,  13. 
And  I  beheld,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of  many  angels  round 
about  the  throne,  and  the  beafts,  and  the  elders;  and  the 
number  of  them  was  ten  thoufand  times  ten  thoufand, 
and  thousands  of  thoufands ;  faying,  with  a  loud  voice, 
"Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  flain,  to  receive  power, 
and  riches,  and  wifdom,  and  itrength,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  and  bleding.  And  every  creature  which  is  in  hea- 
ven, and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  fuch  a; 
are  in  the  fea,  and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I,  flying 
BleiT.ng,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power  be  unto  hin 
that  fittcth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever 
drd  ever. 

/  Rom,  vit.  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am !  wh> 
mail  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death?  I  thane 
God,  through  Jefus  Chriit  cur  Lord.  Chap.  viii.  I.  Thes 
is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  h 
Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  fleih,  but  after  tie 
Spirit.  1  Tim.  i.  13  Who  was  before  a  blafphemer,  aid 
a  persecutor,  and  injurious.  But  I  obtained  mercy,  b- 
cau'.e  I  did  it  ignorantiy,  in  unbelief,  v.  15,  16,  17-TIis 
js  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  tht 


Sea.   XIV.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  25c; 

Though  well  my  black  cltfert  I  know, 
Yet  I'm  not  liable  to  wo  ; 
While  full  and  complete  righteoufnefs 
Imputed  for  my  freedom  is  /. 

Hence  my  fecurity  from  wrath 
As  firmly  (lands  on  Jems'  death  t, 
As  does  my  title  unto  heav'n 
Upon  his  great  cbedier.ee •  giv'n  u. 

Chrifr.  Jefus  came  into  tike  world  to  fave  finners;  of  whom 

1  am  chief.  Howbeit,  for  this  caufe  I  obtained  mercy, 
t'.iat  in  me  firft  Jefus  Chrilt  might  mew  forth  all  long-fuf- 
fering,  for  a  pattern  to  them  which  mould  hereafter  be- 
lieve on  him  to  life  everlafring.  Now  unto  the  King  e- 
ternal,  immortal,  and  invifible,  the  only  wife  God,  be 
honour  and  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

j  I  Cor.  i.  3-.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrilt  Jefus,  who 
of  God  is  made  unto  us — righteoufnefs. — and  redemption. 

2  Cor.  v.  2r.  God  hath  made  Chrifr.  to  be  fin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  f;n ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  in  him.  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  [Abraham]  received 
the  fign  of  circumcifion,  a  feal  of  the  riohteou  nefs  of  the 
faith,  which  he  had  yet  being  uncircumcifed :  that  he 
might  be  the  father  of  all  them  that  believe,  though  they 
be  not  circumcifed  ;  that  righteoufnefs  might  be  imputed 
unto  them  alfp.  v.  22, — 25.  And  therefore  it  was  im- 
puted to  him  for  righteou'aefs.  Nov.'  it  was  not  written 
1  or  his  fake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him;  but  for 
v.s  alfo,  to  whom  it  mall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on 
him  that  raifed  up  Je'us  our  Lord  from  the  dead,  who 
was  delivered  for  our  oifences,  and  was  rai.'ed  again  for 
pur  j unification. 

t  Roki.  v.  9.  Much  more  then  bejng  now  juftined  by 
Lis  blood,  we  {hall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 

:/  Rom.  v.  17,  18,  19 — rThey  which  receive  abundance 
ex  g~ace,  and  of  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs,  mall  reign  in 

e  bv  one,  Jefu3  Chrift.—rUy  the  ri-Thteoufnefs  of  one,  the 
iVee-gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  j  unification  of  life. — 3y 
the  obedience  of  one  fhail  many  be  made  righteous,  v.  21. 
Gnice  reigns  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by 
Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 


1 


Part  III. 


260  Gospel  Sonnets. 

The  fentence  Heav'n  did  full  pronounce, 
Has  pardon'd  all  my  fins  at  once  ; 
And  ev'a  from  future  crimes  acquit, 
Before  I  could  the  ft&s  commit  v. 

I'm. always  in  a  pardon'd  Mate 
Before  and  after  fin  «id;   but  yet, 
That  vainly  I  prefume  not  hence, 
I'm  feldom  pardon'd  to  my  fenfe  x. 

v  Pfalm  ciii.  3.  Blefs  the  Lord,  O  my  foil,*— ^wHo  for- 
give th  all  thine  iniquities ;  who  he  ale  th  all  thy  difeafes. 
2  Cor.  v.  19.  God  was  in  Chrift.  reconciling  the  world  un- 
to himfelf,  not  imputing  their  trefpafles  unto  them.  v.  21. 
Set  letter  s  above-e  ted.  Dan.  ix.  2«f.  Seventy  weeks  are 
determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to 
finifh  the  trani'grefficn,  and  to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and 
to  make  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  ever- 
lafting  righteoufhefs.  Ifa.  liv.  lb.  For  the  mountains 
fhall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kindnefs 
fhall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  fhall  the  covenant  of 
my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy 
on  thee.  Heb.  viii.  12.  Fori  will  be  merciful  to  their 
unrighteouihefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I 
remember  no  more. 

iv  Rom.  viii,   1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condem- 
nation   to    them  which   are  in  Chrift  Jefur,  who  walk 
not  after  the  fled,  but  after  the  Spirit     v*  33,  34,  35, 
37i   38,  39.  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of 
God's  elect?  It  Is  God  that  luftifieth  :  who  is  he   that 
condemneth :    It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is 
rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who 
alfo  maketh  interceffion  for  us.     Who  fhall  feparate  u~ 
from  the  love  of  Chrift,  fhall  tribulation,  or  diflrefs,  or 
persecution,  or  famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  per:!,  cr  {word? 
Nay,  in  all  the  e  thmgs  we  are  more  than  conquerors, 
through   him   that  loved  us.     For  I  am  perfuaded,  that 
neither  death,    nor  life,  nor  angel?,  nor  principalities, 
nor  power?,  nor  thing-  prefent,  nor  things  to  come,  nos 
height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  fhall  be  able 
to  feparate  us  from  the  love  cf  God  which  is  in  Chrift  Je- 
fas  our  Lord. 

x  P:al.  *xv.   IX.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord,  par- 


Se6t.  XV.  The  Bdisver's   Riddle.  261 

Sin  brmos  a  venoeance  on  my  head. 
Though  from  avenging  wrath  1  in  treed  y. 
And  though  my  tins  all  pardon'd  Ik  , 
Their  pardon's  not  apply  d  to  me  z. 

Thus  though  I  need  no  pardon  more, 
Yet  need  new  pardons  cv'ry  hour  \. 
In  point  of  application  free  ; 
Lord,  wufh  anew,   and  pardon  me. 

SECT.     XV. 

The  myftery  of  Faith  and  Sight,  of  which  more,  Part  VI. 
Chap.  i,-. 

S  T  R  A NG£  contradictions  me  befal, 
I  can't  believe  unlets  I  lee  a  ; 

don  mine  iniquity  \  for  it  is  great.  And  li.  8,  9.  Make 
me  to  hear  joy  and  gladnefs ;  that  the  bones  which  thou 
haft  broken  ma v  rejoice.  Hide  thv  face  from  my  fins; 
and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities,  v.  12.  Reiiore  unto  me 
the  joy  of  thy  ialvation;  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free 
Spirit. 

y  Pfal.  xcix.  8.  Thou  aniweredft  them,  O  Lord  our 
God  :  thou  wait  a  God  that  forgavefl  them,  though  thou 
tookeit  vengeance  of  their  inventions.  1  The  a",  i.  io. 
And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven,  whom  he  railed 
from  the  dzid,  even  Jefus  which  delivered  us  fxpm  tha 
x.  rath  to  come. 

z  Pial.  xxxv.  3.  O  Lord,  fay  unto  my  foul,  I  am  thy 
falvation.  And  Ixxxv.  3.  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord 
will  i'rjeak  ;  tor  he  will  fpeak  peace  unto  his  people,  and 
to  his  faints  :  but  let  them  not  turn  again  to  folly. 
Matth.  ix.  2.  And  behold,  they  brought  to  him  a  man 
l:ck  of  the  palfy,  lying  en  a  bed  :  and  Jefus  feeing  their 
faith,  laid  unto  the  fick  of  the  palfy,  Soc,  be  0/  good 
cheer,   thy  hns  be  forgiven  thee. 

f  iVJatth.  \  i.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  for- 
give our  debtors.  I  John  i.  7,  8.  If  we  walk  in  the 
light,  as  God  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellow mip  one 
with  another,  and  the  blood  of  Jefus  CluLl  his  Son  cleanf- 


262  Gospel  Sonnets.         Vtn  111. 

Yet  never  can  believe  at  all, 

Till  onse  I  fhut  the  feeing  ey«  b* 

When  fight  of  fweet  experience 

Can  give  my  faith  no  helping  hand  c, 

The  fight  of  found  intelligence 

Will  give  it  ample  ground  to  (land  d. 

I  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight  e: 
Yet  knowledge  does  my  faith  refound/^ 


eth  us  from  all  fin.     If  we  fay,  that  we  have  no  fin,  we 
deceive  ourielves,  and  the  trufch  is  not  in  us. 

a  John  vi.  .40.  And  this  is  the  will  cf  him  that  fent  me, 
that  every  one  which  feeth  the  Son,  and  believetk  on  him, 
,  may  have  everlafting  life. 

b  John  xx.  29.  Jems  faith  unto  him,  Thomas,  becaufe 
thou  haft  feen  me^  thou  haft  believed:  ble fled  are  they 
that  have  not  ieQu.  and  yet  have  believed. 

c  Ifa.  viii.  1 7.  And  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord  that  h»d- 
eth  his  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  look  for 
him-  Chap.  1.  10.  Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the 
Lord,  that  obeyeth  the  voice  of  his  fervant,  that  walk- 
eth  in  darknefs,  and  hath  no  light,  let  him  truft  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  ftay  upon  his  God. 

d  Eph.  i.  15,-19.  Wherefore  I  alfo,  after  I  heard  of 
your  faith  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  love  unto  all  the  faints, 
ceafe  not  to  give  thanks  for  you,  making  mention  of  you 
in  my  prayers;  thit  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrifr^ 
the  Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  Spirit  of  wis- 
dom and  revelation,  in  the  knowledge  of  him;  the  eyes 
of  your  underftanding  being  enlightened;  that  ye  may 
know  what  is  the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches 
of  the  glory  of  his  inheritance  in  the  faints,  and  what  is 
the  exceeding  greatnefs  of  his  power  to  us-ward  who  be- 
lieve, according  to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  Zzc, 
2  Cor.  iv.  6.  For  God  who  commanded  the  light  to  mine 
out  of  darknefs,  hath  mined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glorv  of  Gzdy  in.  the  face 
of  Jefus  Chrift. 

e  2  Cor.  v.  7.  For  we  walk  by  faith,  no  thy  fight. 
/John  ii.  11.  This  beginning  of  miracles  did  Jefus  La 


Sett.  XV.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  263 

Which  cannot  walk  but  in  the  light  gt 
Ev'n  when  experience  runs  a-ground  h. 

By  knowledge  I  difcern  and  fpy 
In  divine  light  the  object  i'hown  i; 

By  faith  I  tike  and  clofe  apply 

The  glorious  object  as  mine  own  k. 

My  faith  thus  (lands  on  divine  light^ 

Believing  what  it  clearly  fees  /; 
Yet  faith  is  oppofite  to  fight 

Trurting  its  ear,  and  not  its  eyes  ttu 

Faith  lifVning  to  a  fweet  report, 

Still  comes  by  hearing,  not  by  fight  n  \ 

Yet  is  not  faith  of  laving  fort, 

But  when  it  fees  in  divine  lijht  0. 

Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifefted  forth  his  glory ;  and  hh 
difciples  believed  on  him. 

g  Pfalm  ix.  10.  And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put 
their  truft  in  thee. 

h  Piklm  xxxvii.  14.  Wait  on  the  Lord;  be  of  good 
courage,  and  he  mall  ftrengthen  thine  heart ;  wa.it,  1  fay, 
on  the  Lord. 

i  2  Cor.  iii.  iS.  But  we  all  with  open  face,  beholding  as 
in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  fame 
image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  che  Spirit  of  the 
Lord. 

k  John  i.  1 1.  Bj:  as  many  as  received  him,  to  there 
gave  he  power  to  become  the  ions  of  GoJ,  even  to  them 
chat  believe  on  his  name. 

/  Gal.  i.  16  But  when  it  pleafed  God — to  reveal  his  Son 
in  me,  that  I  might  preach  him  among  the  Heathen  \  irn- 
mediate  y  I  conferred  njt  with  flelh  and  b'ooi. 

m  Cph.  i.  1 3.  In  Chriit  ye  aifo  trailed  after  that  ye  heard 
thewoidof  truth,  thegofpelof  yom  falvation. 

n  Rot),  x  17.  S:>  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and 
hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 

Pfalm  xxxvi.  7.  How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindneft, 
O  G  >  1  !   therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their  crntt  under 
the  ihadow  of  thy  wing;.     <u.  9.  For  with  thee  is  the  foun- 
tain of  life :  in  thy  li»ht  (hall  we  fee  li$hc. 


264  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III 

In  fears  I  fpend  my  vital  breath, 

In  doubts  I  Wcdte  my  palling  years  p  ; 

Yet  it  ill  the  life  I  live  is  faith, 

The  oppofite  of  doubts  and  fears  q. 

'Tween  clearing  faith  and  clouding  fenfe, 

I  walk  in  darknefs  and  in  light  /•. 
Vrn  certain  oft,   when  in  fufpenfe, 

While  Cure  by  faith  and  not  by  fight/^. 

p  Pfalm  lxxvii.  7,  4.  I  remembered  God,  and  was  trou- 
bled :  I  complained,  and  my  fpirit  was  o/eiwhelmed  Se- 
lah.  Thou  holdeit  mine  eyes  waking;  1  am  fo  troubled 
that  I  cannot  fpeak.  John  xx.  2;.  Uut  Thomas  fa  id' unto 
the  other  difuples,-  Except  I  lhallfee  in  his  hands  the  print 
or  the  nails,  and  put  my  finder  into  the  print  cf  the  nails, 
and  thrult  my  bund  into  his  fide,  I  will  not  believe.  Luke 
xxiv.  2i-  We  trurkd  that  it  had  been  he  which  Ihould  have 
redeemed  Ifraei. 

q  Gal  ii.  10  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift :  Nevcitheltfs 
I  live  \  yet  not  I,  but  Chrilt  liveth  in  mc:  and  the  lire 
which  I  now  live  in  the  fleih,  I  live  by  the  faith  oi  the  Son 
of  God,  who  loved  mtv  and  gave  himfelf  for  me.  Mark  v. 
•?6.  As  foon  as  jtfus  heaid  the  word  that  was  fpoken,  he 
faith  unto  the  ruler  of  the  fynago^ue,  Be  not  afraid,  only 
believe.  Match,  viii.  26  And  Jefus  faith  unto  his  difciples, 
Why'are  ye  fo  fearful,  O  ye  of  little  faith  i  Chap,  xiv-  -  1 , 
And  Jefus  faid  uqco  Peter,  0  thou  of  Jittle  faith,  wherefore 
didir.  thou  doubt  ? 

r  Job  xxix.  I,  2,  : .  Moreover,  Job  continued  his  parable, 
and  laid,  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  paft/  <>s  in  the  days 
when  God  preferved  me  :  when  his  candle •lhincd  upon  nay 
head, and  when  by  his  li^ht  I  walked  through  darkneis  Pfaii 
cxii.  4   Unto  the  upright  there  aiileth  light  in  the  darkneis. 

f  1  Pet.  i.  "-..  Whom  hiving  not  fecn,  yciove;  in  whom 
though  now  ve  fee  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  with 
ioy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  t;!ory.  Horn.  iv.  r, —  z;.  A- 
biaham  a^ainlt  hdpe,  believed  in  hope,  that  he  might  bc- 
coare  the  father  of  many  nations  >  according  to  that  which 
was  fpoken,  So  lhall  thy  feed  be.  And  being  not  weak  hi 
faith,  heconhJcied  not  his  own  body  now  dead,  when  he 
wa>  about  an  handled  vear>  oid,  neither  yet  the dcadnds  of 
Sarah's  womb.  He  ftaggered  not  at  the  j  romile  of  God 
through  unbelief  >  but  v/a<  Itrong  in  faitlis  givttig  ^lory  to 


I 


Sea.  XVf.  The  Believer's   foddk.  26? 


SECT.     XVI, 

The  mvfi'ery  of  Faith  and  Works,  and  reward:  cf  Gr-j 
and  Debt. 

I.  Of  Faith  and  Works, 

1 

He  that  in  word  ofFendeth  not, 

Is  callM  a  perferft  man  I  wot  a  5 

Yet  he  whole  thoughts  and  deeds  are  bad. 

The  law- perfection  never  had  I* 

T  am  deflgn'd  a  perfect  fou!, 
Ev'n  though  I  never  kept  the  whole* 
Nor  any  precept*;  for  'tis  known, 
He  breaks  them  all,  that  breaks  but  one 


God;  and  being  fully  pcrfua  led,  that  what  he  b*d  pronuf" 
ed,  he  was  able  alfo  to  perform.  Pfalm  lxxxix.  ^6, —  -5c* 
His  feed  fh7.ll endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fan  be 
fore  me.  .  it  fhali  be  established  for  ever  as  tfce  moon,  and 
as  a  faithful  witnefs  in  heaven.  Selah.  But  rhcu  haft  caH 
off  and  abhorred,  chou  halt  been  wroth  with  thine  anointedv 
Thou  halt  made  void  the  covenant  of  thy  frrvant  :  thou  h*fr> 
profaned  his  crown,  by  calling  it  to  the  ground. 

a  James  iii.  2.  If  any  man  offend  njet  in  woid,  the  fame 
is  a  perfect  man,  and  able  alfo  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 

b  James  ii.   10.   Forwhoioever  fhailkfcp  the  whole  lax, 
and  yet  oifend  in  one  point  He  is  guilty  of  all. 

c  Rom.  iv.  c,  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  believetS 
on  him  that  jultiflech  the  ungodly,   his  faith  is  counted  fou 
n^hceoufnefs.     Even  as   David  alfo  defcribeth  the  blcffsd- 
n^fs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth   righteoufnefs 
without  works.     Job.   i.  I.  There  was  a  man  in  the  land 
of  Ux,  whofename  was  Job,  and  that  man  was  perfect  an  ] 
upright,    and  one   that   feared  God,    and  efchewed    evil. 
Pfal.   lx:ci.    16.   I  will  »o  in  the  flrengrh  of  che  Lord  God  ; 
I  will  make  mention  of  thy  righteoufnefs,  even  of  ihifit 
only.   Bed.  vii.  20.   For  there  is  net  a  jult  man  upon  earthy 
hat  doth  good,   and  finotth  not. 
d  James  ii.  10.  S^e  letter   b. 

O 


266  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  III. 

By  faith  I  do  perfcftion  claim  c, 
By  works  I  never  grafp  the  name/": 
Yet  without  works  my  faith  is  nought  g, 
And  thereby  no  perfection  brought. 

Works  without  faith  will  never  fpeed  h9 
Faith  without  works  is  wholly  dead  i : 
Ye?t  I  am  juftify'd  by  faith, 
Which  no  law -works  adjutant  hath  k. 


e  Phil.  hi.  9.  I  count  all  things  but  dung,  that  I  may 
win  Chriit,  and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteoufnefs,  -which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
through  the  faith  of"  Chriit,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of 
God  by  faith. 

f  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  than  a  man  is'  not  juftified  by 
the  works  of  tne  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jefus  Chriit  ; 
even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chriit  y  that  we  might  be 
juitified  by  the  faith  of  Chriit,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the 
law  :  for  by  the  works  of  the  law  ihall  no  flem  be  justified. 

g  James  ii.  14.  What  doth  it  profit,  my  brethren,  though 
a  man  fay  he  hath  faith,  and  have  no:  works  ?  can  faith 
fave  him  ? 

h  Heb.  xi.  6.  Without  faith  it  is  impoflible  to  pleafe 
God  ;  for  he  that  Cometh  to  God,  mult  believe  that  he  is, 
and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  feek  him. 
Rom.  xxiv.  23.  Whatsoever  is  not  of  faith,   is  (in. 

i  James  ii.  17.  Even  fo  faith  if  it  hath  not  works,  is 
dead  being  alone.  11.  26.  For  as  the  body  without  the  Spi- 
rit is  dead,  Co  faith  without  works  is  dead  alio. 

k  Rom.  iii.  21,  22.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  God 
without  the  law  is  manifelted,  being  witnefTed  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets  y  even  the  righteoufneis  of  God  which  is 
bv  faith  of  Jefus  Chriit  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
believe  s  for  there  is  no  difference.  Chap.  iv.  4,  5,  6. 
Now  to  him  that  worketh,  is  the  reward  not  reckoned  of 
grace,  but  of  debt.  Hut  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but  be- 
lieveth  on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alfo  defcribeth 
the  bleffednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  imputeth  righ- 
teoufrrcfs  without  work*. 


; 


Seft.  XVI.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  261 

Yea,  gofpel  works  no  help  can  lend  /, 
Though  (till  they  do  my  faith  attend  m  : 
Yet  faith  by  works  is  per j "eft  made. 
And  by  their  prefence  juftify'd  n. 

But  works  with  faith  could  never  vie, 
And  only  faith  can  juftify  0  : 

/  Phil.  iii.   4,  —  j.  If  any  orher  man  thinkech  that  he 
hath  whereof  he  might  trait  in  the  flefh,  I  more:  — touch- 
ing the  righteoufnefs  which  is  in  the  law,  blamelefs.     But 
whac  things   were  gain  to    me,  thofe   I  counted   lofs   for 
Chrift.     Yea  doubtiefs,  and  I  count  all  things  but  lofs,  for 
the  excellency  or  che  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jeias  my  Lord  ; 
for  whom  I  have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do 
count  them  but  dung,  that  I  may  win  Chriff,  and  be  found 
in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of 
the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chnft,  the 
righteoufnefs  which  is  of  God  by  faith.     l(a.  lxiv.  6.    Bur. 
we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteoufnetTes 
areas  filthy  rags.     Hof.  xjii.  9.  O  Ifrael,  thou  hail  def- 
troyed  thyfelf,  but  in  me  is  thine  help.     Ifa.  xlv.  2.1,  25- 
Surely,  ihallonefay,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and 
ftrength  ;  even  to  him  ihall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  in- 
cenfed  againft  him  lhall  be  afhamed.     In  the  Lord  Ihall  all 
the  feed  of  Ifrael  bejuftified,   and  ihall  glory. 

m  Tit.  iii.  S.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  thefe  things 
I  will  that  thou  affirm  conftantly,  that  they  which  have  be- 
lieved in  God,  might  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  i 
thefe  things  are  good  and  profitable  unto  men.  James  ii. 
18.  Yea,  a  man  may  fay,  Thou  halt  faith,  and  I  have 
works  :  ihew  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  will 
ihcw  thee  my  faith  by  my  works. 

n  James  ii.  11,  22.  Was  not  Abraham  our  father  jultifi- 
cd  by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Ifaac  his  fon  upon  the 
altar?  Seeit  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works,  and 
by  works  was  faith  made  perfect  ?  <v.  24..  Ye  fee  then  how 
tfut  by  works  a  man  is  juftified,   and  not  by  faith  only. 

0  Rom.  iv.  1  5.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it  might: 
be  by  grace  ;  to  the  end  the  promife  might  be  Pure  to  all 
the  feed.  Titus  iii.  4,-7.  But  after  that  the  kindnefs 
and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by 
workj  of  righteoufnefs,  which  we  have  done,  but  accord- 
ing to  his  mercy  he  fayed  us  by  the  walhing  of  regeneration, 


zCS  GqspU    Sonnets.         Parr  HI- 

Yet  ftill  myjuflifying  faith 
No  juftifying  value  ha:h/>. 

Lo,  jollifying  grace  from  heaven 
Is  foretgq  ware,  and  freely  giv'n  q; 
And  Hiving  faith  is  well  content 
To  be  a  mere  recipient  r. 

Faith's  a  Rive  in  my  fahCtity  f ; 
But  h?r$  its  ace  it  wi'l  deny  /, 

%nd  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghofl :  which  he  Hied  on  us  abun< 
danrly,  through  Jems  Chrift  oar  Saviour ;  that  being  juiti- 
;fied  by  hi?  gr-^cc,  we  mould  be  made  heir*  according  to  ths 
hope  of  eternal  life.  Acts  *•  43.  To  him  gave  all  the  pro- 
phets witneis;  that  through  his  name,  whofocver  believeth 
in  him,  lhall  receive  remiflion  of  fins. 

"i  O^l  iii  i"t|  ■•,  Is  the  law  then  againft  the  promifes 
of  God  \  God  forbid ;  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given 
whih  could  have  given  life,  verily  ri^hceoufnefs  lhould, 
have  been  by  the  law.  But  the  fcriprure  hath  concluded  all 
under  fin,  that  the  promife  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chi  lit  might 
}>e  given  to  them  that  believe.  Lukexxii.  31,  32.  And  the 
Lord  faid,  Simon,  Simon,  behold,  Satan  har.h  cfefired  to 
hive  you,  that  he  may  fift  you  as  wheat ;  but  I  have  pray- 
ed for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not ;  and  when  thou  art  con- 
Verted  itrengthen  thy  brethren.  2  Cor.  iii.  r.  Not  that 
we  ate  fufficient  of  ourfelves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  our- 
felves  :  but  our  fuSciency  is  of  God  Chap.  xii.  5.  Of  iuch 
an  one  will  I  glory)  yet  of  s  myfelf  I  will  not  glory,  but 
in  mine  infirmities. 

7  Rom  v.  i^,  17. — The  free  gift  is  of  many  offences 
unto  jrftification.— They  which  receive  abundance  or  grace, 
and  of  the  gift  of  rii?hteoufnefs.  ih  D  reign  in  life  by  one, 
Jefus  Chrift.  Chap,  iii  4  Being  juftified  freely  by  his 
grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift. 

r  Rom  v.  11  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfojoy  in  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  re- 
ceived the  atonement,     v.  17.  See  letter  q. 

/"Gal.  v.  6  F-^r  in  Jefus  Chrift,  neither  circumcifion  a- 
vaileth  any  thing,  nor  uncircmrcifion,  bur  faith  vhich 
worketh  by  love.  Acls  %v.  9  God  put  no  difference  be- 
tween us  and  them,  purifying  their  hearts  by  faith  Chap. 
yxvi.  xl>.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from*kik- 


Seft.  XVI.  The  Bilkvts'i  Riddle.  269 

And  frankly  own  it  never  went 
Beyond  a  pajfive  initrument  /. 

I  labour  much  like  holy  Paul  ; 

And  ytc  not  I,  bur  grace  does  all  u  ; 

I  try  to  fpread  my  little  iails, 

And  wait  for  pow'riul  moving  gales  v. 

When  powVs  conveyed,  I  work;   but  fee,  ' 

1  ris  it i i  1  hispow'r  that  works  in  me. 

I  am  an  agent  at  his  call, 

Yet  nothing  am,   for  grace  is  all  <w. 

nefs  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that 
they  may  receive  forgivenefs  of  fins,  and  inheritance  a- 
mong  them  Which  are  fan&ifted  by  faith  thai  is  in  me. 

j  Horn.  iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faun,  that  it  might  be 
by  grace.  Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  gJace,  then  is  1:  no 
more  of  works  \  ocherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace. 

/  Eph.  ii.  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  faved,  through 
faith;  and  that  not  of  vourfelves  :  i:  is  the  gift  of  God: 
not  of  works,  left  any  man  fhould  boait.  1  Cor.  iv.  7. 
For  who  makech  thee  to  diifcr  from  another  ?  and  wha- 
h.Jt  thou  chit  thou  ciid.it  noc  receive  ?  now  it  thou  diuft  re- 
ceive ic,  why  doit  thou  glory  as  if  thou  had  it  not  received 
it?  Heh.  xi.  ii.  Through  faith  alfo  Sarah  herfelf  rcceived 
itrength  to  conceive  feed,  and  was  delivered  ot  a  child 
when  lh?  was  paic  age,  becaufe  ihe  judged  him  faithful  v/ho 
had  promifed  v.  17.  By  faith  Abraham,  when  he  was 
tried,  offered  uplfaac:  and  he  thr.  t  h:.d  :.:.:  ,:d  the  pro- 
mites,  offered  up  his  only  begotten  fun  :  ?  .  ic.  Account- 
ing cliac  God  was  able  to  r.iife  him  up,  even  fcorri  the  dead  ; 
from  whence  alfo  he  received  him  in  a  figure.  ■©*  35.  Wo- 
men received  their  dead  railed  to  life  a^ain  ;  and  others 
w:re  tortured,  nor  accepting  deliverance ,  that  they  might 
obtain  a  bet:er  rdurreition. 

u  1  Cor  xv.  10.  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  what  I 
am  ;  and  his  grace  which  was  beftowed  upon  We,  was  noc 
in  vain;  out  I  laboured  more  abundantly  than  they  all: 
ye:  noc  I,  but  the  gra£e  of  God  which  was  with  me. 

v  Plalm  lxxi.  16.   I  will  go  on  in  the  ftrt;ni;ch  of  the  Lord 
Cod  :  T  will   make  mention  of  thy  righteoufneis,  even  of 
thine  onlv.  Song  iv.  16.   Awake,  O  north  wind,  and  come, 
thou  fouth,  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpicts  thereof 
may  fijw  oat.  ■ 

O  z 


v?. 


Gospel   Sonnets. 


Par:  III. 


< 


II.  Of  rewards  cf  Gra.ce  and  Debt 

I  N  ail  my  vvork^  I  ftill  regard 
The  recompense  of  full  reward  x  ; 
i'et  inch  my  working  is  withal, 
1  look  for  no  reward  at  allj>. 

God's  mv  reward  exceeding  prear 
Ko  leffer  beav*n  than  this  1  wait  z  : 

iv  Phil,  ii-  l-'a  13.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye  have 
nhvays  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but  m-w  much 
more  in  my  abience :  work  out  your  own  falvation  with 
tear,  and  trembling.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you 
both,  to  will  and  to  to  do  of  his  good  plcafarc.  Gal  ii.  ; 
I  am  crucified  with  Ckriit  :  Neyerjhelefs  I  Iive>  ycc  not  I, 
but  Chriicliveth  in  me:  and  the  life  which  1  now  Jive  in  the 
flelh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me, 
and  gave  himfelf  for  me.  2  Cor  xij.  c.  And  the  Lord  (aid 
unto  me,  My  grace  is  fuflicient  for  thee  \  for  my  (length  i$ 
made  perfect  in  weaknefs.  Matt  gladly  thercfoie  will  I 
lathergLory,  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  ot'Chiift 
may  reit  upon  mc.   » 

x  Heb.  xi.  24,  25,  26.  By  faith  Mofes,  when  he  was 
X'ome  to"  years,  refuftd  to  be  called  the  fon  of  Pharaoh'* 
<iaii£;hter  :  c hoofing  rather  to  furler  arBicf  ion  with  the  peo- 
j'\e  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  of  fin  for  a  fealon  ; 
citeeming  the  reproach  or  Chrifi  greater  riches  than  the 
rhetrca  fares  in  F.gypc  ;  for  he  had  refpec*  unto  the  recom- 
mence of  the  reward. 

V  1  Tim.  i.  9  God  hath  faved  us,  and  called  us  with 
an  holy  calling,  not  according  tu  our  works,  but  according 
to  his  own  purpofe  ami  grace  which  was  given  us  in  Chiii; 
Jcfus,  before  rhe  woild  began.  Titus  oi.  \.  Not  by  woiks 
of  righteonfnefs,  which  we  have  done,  bur  according  to  his. 
mercy  he  faved  us  by  .the  wafhing  ol-  regeneration,  and  re- 
newing of  t^e  Holy  Gho/L 

jc  Gen  xv.  1.  After  theCe  things  the  word  of  rhe  lord 
came  unto  Abram  in  a  vifion,  faying,  Fear  not,  Abram  :  I 
am  thy  ihidd.,  and  thy  exceeding  grear  reward.  Pfal. 
ixxiii.  zc;, ;_6.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there 
is  none  upon  earth  that  I  defire  behe'es  thee.  My  flefh  and 
my  heart  faileth  :  but  God  is  the  ilrer.^th  of  my  heart,  anC 
my  portion  for  ever.  " 


a.  XVI.  7>  JiJUvcKS   RidJifr  2  ■;. 

Boi  wbere's  the  earning  work  fo  broad, 
To  fct  me  up  an  heir  oi  Gud  a  \ 

Rewards  of  debt,  rewards  of  grace^ 
Are  oppofices  in  ev'ry  caie  h  ; 
Yet  (bre  1  am  they'll  both  agree 
Moft  jointly  in  rewarding  met. 

Though  hell's  my  juft  reu  .ird  for  fm  d 
Heav'n  as  my  jutr  reward  I'll  win  e. 

a  trek,  xxxvi.  -22.  Nor  for  vour  fakes  do  I  this,  fate!-. 
the" Lord  God,  be  k  known  unto  you  :  be  afnamed  and  con- 
founded ioi  your  own  ways,   O  houfe  of  If:ae'.    J\om.viii. 

1  17.  The  Spirit  nfelf  h.eareih  witnefs  with  our  lunit, 
that  ve  arc  the  children  of  God  And  if  chtldien,  then 
l.viri  j   heirs  of  Cod,  and  joint  heiis  with  Chnft. 

i  Rom.  iv.  4  .  Nov  to  him  that  worketh,  is  the  rem  aid 
rot  reckoned  ofgr^ce,  but  of  debc. 

c  rf.il.  lvui.  1  1.  Verity  there  is  a  reward  for  the  ri«>hre- 
ous  :  verily  he  is  a  God  that  jud^eth  in  the  earth.  Tfa  lxij. 
*r.  Behold,  theLoid  hath  proclaimed  unco  the  end  of  the 
vorld,  Say  yero  :ae  daughter  of  Zion,  Behold,  thy  falva- 
tion cometh  j  behold,  his  rewaid  js  with  him,  and  his 
Voik  before  him.  And  jcl.  ic.  Behold  the  lord  God  will 
*  o  re  with  ttronjj  hard,  ar>d  his  at  m  mall  inle  for  him  ;  be- 
hold his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  woik  before  him. 

d  Rom.  vi.  21.  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  thofe  things, 
wheuot  ye  are  now  aibamed  ?  for  the  end  of  thofe  things  is 
death.  *,  2^.  The  wages*  of  fin  is  death  .  Eph.  v.  6.  Let 
no  utan  deceive  you  with  vain  words  :  for  becaufeof  thelc 
things  cometh  the  wraih  of  God  upon  the  children  of  difobe- 

.uce.     Gal     iii     10.     For  as  many  as  are  of  the  woiks  or. 
» he  lav,   are  under  theeurfe:   for  it   is  written,  Cuifed   is 
tvery  ore  tha4  contireeth  nor  jn  ail  tfcogs  which  are  yflit 
ten  in  the  book  of  the  iaw  to  do  them. 

t  Gal.  iii.  jr,  14,  Chnff  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
cuifeof  the  l.-iv,  bein^  made  a  curfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  wiir- 
ren,  Cuifed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree  :  that  the 
blitfini:  of  Abraham  mi^htcome  on  the  Gentiles  thresh 
lefiw  Chiift^  thjt  ve  mij,ht  receive  the  pomife  of  the 
Spirit  through  faith.  Eph*  i.  n,  jj.  In  Chnltalfo  af- 
ter that  ye  believed,  ye  were  feaied  with  that  holy  Spirit  of 
piomiie,  which  is  the  earneft  of  ourjJicritarice,  until   the 

icjpfif  tion  oi  the  f  tin  haft  d  rof^l     ft,  puto  the  fiaifc  < 


272 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part   III, 


I 


Both  thefe  my  juft  rewards  I  know, 
Yet  truly  neither  of  them  ib  *. 

Hell  can't  in  juftice  be  my  lot, 
Since  jultice  iatisfaction  got/, 
Nor  heav'n  in  juliice  be  my  Ihare, 
Since  mercy  only  brings  me  there  g. 

Yet  heav'n  is  mine  by  folemn  barb, 
In  juft  ice  and  in  mercy  both  h  : 

his  «lory.  Rom.  v.  21.  Grace  reigns  through  righteoufnefs 
unco  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  And  vi  fcit 
The  gifcof  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chnlt  our  Lord. 

*  Through  theft  oppcfitt  -voices  of  law  andgofpcL 

fRom.  iii.  2n,  26.  Whom  God  hath  fee  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his 
righteoufnefs  for  the  remiflion  of  fins  that  are  pafl  through  . 
the  forbearance  of  God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  rhis  time 
his  righteoufnefs  ;  that  he  might  be  jutf,  and  the  juitifler 
of  him  which  believeth  in  Jefus. 

£  Rom.  ix.  15.  if\.  God  faith  to  Mofe>,  I  will  have 
mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will  have  com- 
panion on  whom  I  will  have  companion.  So  then  if  is  not  or 
Kim  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth  ^  but  of  God  that 
iheweth  mercy.  Titus  iii.  4, —  7.  But  after  chat  the  kind- 
nefs  and  love  of  God  ourSavionr  toward  man  appeared,  not 
by  works  of  righteoufnefs  which  we  h^vc  done,  but  accord- 
ing to  his  mercy  he  faved  us  bv  the  walhing  of  regeneration 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghofc  :  which  he  ihed  or;  us  a- 
buudantly,  through  jefus  Chriif.  •  chat  being  jultified  bv 
his  grace,  we  lhould  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of 
eternal  life. 

h  Pfal.  lxxxix.  35,  56.  Once  have  I  fworn  by  my  holinefs, 
that  1  will  not  lie  unco  David.  His  feed  lhall  endure  ror 
ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  before  me.  Heb .  vi.  i-,iv. 
v\  herein  God  willing  more  abundantly  to  Ihew  unto  tiu 
heirs  of  promife  the  immutability  of  his  council,  confirmed 
it  by  an  oath  ;  that  by  two  immutable  things,  in  which  it 
wis  impolliblefbr  God  tolie,  we  might  have  a  ihong  con- 
folation,  wiio  have  fled  foTrefugc  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope 
fet  before  us.  Pfal.  lxxxix.  14.  J uiticc  and  judgment  are 
the  habitation  of  thy  thrones  mercv  and  truth  fhall  go  be- 
fore thy  face.  r.  1 2.  In  thynarss  :h:Ul  they  rejoice  all  thq 


left.  XVI.         Th  Betitvexr*  Rid^c.  273 

4nd  God  in  Chrift  is  all  my  ti  nit, 
Bcciufe  lie's  merciful  and  juft  f. 

CONCLUSION. 

HERE  is  the  riddle,  whcre's  the  man 

Of  judgment  to  expound  \ 
For  maftsrs  fairfd  that  cannot  fcan, 

In  Ifrael  nny  be  found  a. 

We  jliItIv  thofe  in  vvifdom's  lift 

EltabbuVd  faints  may  call, 
\Vhofe  bitter-fweet  experience  blcil 

Can  clearly  grafp  it  all  b. 


day:  and  in  thy  rigbteoufnefs  mall  they  be  exalted,  e;  21. 
But  my  faithfulnefsand  my  mercy  ihai]  be  with  him  [David 
myfervant]  ;  and  in  my  name  lhail  his  horn  be  exalted. 
«:■.  2^.  My  mercy  will  I  keep  for  him  for  evermore,  2nd  my 
covenant  lhail  ftand  fair,  with  him- 

i  Keb.  ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to 
be  made  like  unco  his  brethren  :  that  he  mii;hc  be  a  mein- 
f  ul  and  fa  khrul  high  prielr,  in  things  pt irainin^  to  God,  to 
make  reconciliation  for  the  fins  of  the  people,  i  John  i. 
7,  c,  0.  if  we  walk  in  the  li^ht,  as  God  is  in  the  light, 
we  baye  fel'.ovlhip  one  with  another,  and  the  blood  or  ]e- 
fus  Chnlt  his  Son  dfaafcth  us  ft  m  all  fin.  If  we  fay  that 
we  have  no  (in,  we  deceive  ourfelves,  and  toe  tiu'h  is  not 
in  us  H  we  confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  and  juft  to 
forgive  us  our  fins,  and  to  cleanfe  us  from  all  unri^htcouf- 
nefs. 

a  John  iii.  10.  Jefus  anfwercd  and  faid  unto  Niccdtmus, 
Art  thou  a  maJicr  oi  Ifrael,  and  knoweft  not  thefe  things  ? 

c  Matth.  xi  3;.  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid, 
I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaule 
rhoi:  haft  hid  thefe  things  from  the  wife  ar.d  prudent,  and 
bait  revealed  them  onto  babes.  Andxiii.  II.  jefus  anfwercd 
and  laid  unto  his  difejpies,  Becrufe  it  is  gtven  untovou  to 
know  the  mytfesies  oj  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  hue  to  frbeiQ 
k  is  nor  giver.. 


274  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  III. 

Some  babes  in  grace  may  mint  *  and  mar,    *  try. 

Yet  aiming  right  fucceed  c  : 
But  Jlr angers  they  in  Ifr'el  are, 

Who  not  at  all  can  read  d. 


c  i  Cor.  iii.  I,  i.  And  I,  brethren,  could  not  fpeak  tin- 
to  you  as  untofpiritual,  but  as  unto  carnal,  even  as  unto 
babes  in  Chrifl.  I  have  fed  you  with  milk,  and  not  with 
meat  :  for  hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to  bear  it,  neither  yet 
now  are  ye  able.  Heb.  v.  12,  j-,  14.  For  when  for  the 
time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye  have  need  that  one  teach 
you  again  which  be  the  firft  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God; 
and  are  become  (uchas  have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of  Itrong 
meat.  For  every  one  that  ufeth  milk  is  unskilful  in  the 
word  of  righteoufne  fs  ;  for  he  is  a  babe.  Eut  ftrong  meat 
belongeth  to  them  that  are  of  full  age,  even  thofe  who,  by 
reafonof  ufe,  have  their  fenfes  exercifcd  to  difcern  both 
good  and  evil.  And  vi.  1.  Therefore  leaving  the  principles 
of  the  doctrine  of  Chrifl,  let  us  go  on  unto  perfection  ;  not 
laying  again.the  foundation  of  repentance  from  dead  works, 
and  of  faith  towards  God,  &c.  1  johnii.  12,  13.  I  write 
unto  you,  little  children,  becaufe  your  (ins  are  forgiven  you 
for  his  name's  fake.— I  write  unto  you  little  children,  be- 
caufe ye  have  known  the  Father. 

^2  Cor.  iv.  3,  4..  But  if  our  gofpel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to 
them  that  are  loft:  in  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath 
blinded  the  minds  of  them  whichbelieve  not,  left  the  light 
of  the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift,  who  is  the  image  of  God, 
ihould  Ihine  unto  them. 


The  End  of  ibs  Believer's  Riddle. 


^^^/i^^^^^A., 


-rm  tit^rran^rrnrpgo^^.tT^^^yacy^' 


GOSPEL  SONNETS, 


PART     IV. 

The  Believer's  Lodging  and 
Inn  while  on  Earth: 

A  Poem  ar  Paraphrafe  r^^/2  Pfalm  lxxxiv. 

Vcr  I.  How  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord  of  holls ! 

JEHO  V  A  H,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft, 
Sole  Monarch  of  the  univerfal  hoft, 
Whom  the  attendant  armies  (till  revere, 
Which  in  bright  robes  furround  the  higher  fpherei 
Whofe  fov'reign  empire  fways  the  hellrfh  band 
Of  ranked  legions  in  th'  infernal  land  ;  • 

Who  hold' ft  Che  earth  at  thy  unrivall'd  beck, 
And  ftay'h;  proud  forces  with  a  humbling  check ; 
Ev'n  thou  whole  name  commands  an  awful  dread, 
Yet  deigns  to  dwell  with  man  in  very  dtcd  ; 
O  what  refrefhmo.t  fills  the  dwelling  place 
Of  thine  exuberant  unbounded  grace  i 
Which  with  tweet  pow'r  doesjoy  and  praife  extort. 
In  Zion's  teuts,  thine  ever  lov'd  refort  : 
Where  glad'ning  ftreams  of  mercy  from  above 
Make  fouls  brim-full  of  warm  feraphic  love. 
Of  fweeteft  odours  ail  thy  garments  fmeils  ; 
Thy  difmal  abfence  proves  athoufand  hell", 
But  heav'n's  of  joy  are  where  thine  honour  dwells. 


ifS 


GosPEt    Sonnets.  Part   IV. 


Ver.  2.     My  foul  longethj    yea,   even  fakiteth  for  the 

courts  of  fhe  Lord:  mv  heart  and  mv  fiefhsrieth  Out 
for  the  living  Go -a. 

Therefore  on  thee  I  centre  my  defire, 
Which  veh'mently  burfts  out  in  ardent  fire. 
Deprived,  ah  !   I  languish  in  my  plaint, 
My  bones  are  feeble,  and  my  fpirits  faint, 
My  longing  foul  pants  to  behold  again 
Thy  temple  fiil'd  with  thy  m  jeftic  train  ; 
Thofe  palaces  with  heav'nly  odcur  ftrew'd, 
And  regai  court?,  where  Zion's  King  is  view'd  : 
To  fee  the  beauty  of  the  high  eft  One, 
Upon  this  holy  mount,   his  lofty  throne  : 
Whence  virtue  running  from  the  living  Head 
Reflores  the  dying,  and  revives  the  dead. 
For  him  my  heart  With  cries  repeated  founds, 
To  which  my  flefh  with  echoes  loud  rebounds; 
For  him,  for  him,  who  life  in  death  can  give. 
For  him,  for  him,   whole  fole  prerogative 
Is  from  and  to  eternity  to  live. 

Veto  X  Yea,  the  fparrow  hath  found  an  ho'ufc,  and  the 
i  wallow  a  neft  for  herfelf,  where  (he  may  lay  her  young:, 
even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hoils,  my  King  and  my 

God. 

Alas  !  how  from  thy  lovely  dwellings  f, 

Long  haniih'd,  do  the  happy  birds  envy  ; 
Which  chooling  thy  high  altars  for  their  neft, 
Orj  rafters  of  thy  tabernacle  reft  ! 
Here  dwells  rfiejparrow  of  a  chirping  tongue, 
And  here  ihc  faJzIU'W  lays  her  tender  young 
.Faint  facrilege  !  they  feize  the  facred  (pot, 
And  fee  01  to  glory  o'er  my  a'uient  lot. 
Yet  lure  I  have  more  fpecial  right  to  thee 
Than  all  the- brut*!  hefts  of  earth  and  lea  : 


The  Believer's  Lodging.  277 

That  Sov'reign,  at  whofe  government  they  bow, 
Is  wholly  mine  by  his  eternal  vow  : 
My  King  to  rule  my  heart,  and  quell  my  foes, 
My  God  t'  extract  my  well  from  prefent  woes, 
And  crown  with  endlefs  glory  at  the  clofe. 

Ver.  4.   BleiTed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  houfe  i  they 
will  be  ftill  praifing  thee. 

O  happy  they  that  haunt  thy  houfe  below, 
And  to  thy  royal  fandtuary  flow  : 
Not  for  itielf,  but  for  the  glorious  One, 
Who  there  inhabits  his  erected  throne  ! 
Others  pals  by,  but  here  their  dwelling  is ! 
O  happy  people  crown'd  with  bays  of  blifs ! 
Blefs'd  with  the  fplendid  luftre  of  his  face, 
Blefs'd  with  the  high  melodious  found  of  grace, 
That  wakens  fouls  into  a  fweet  amaze, 
And  turns  their  fpirits  to  a  harp  of  praife  ; 
Which  loudly  makes  the  lower  temple  ring 
With  hallelujahs  to  the  mighty  King: 
And  thus  they  antedate  the  nobler  fong 
Of  that  celeftial  and  triumphant  throng, 
Who  warbles  notes  of  praife  eternity  along. 

Ver.  5.  BlefTedis  the  man  whofe  flrength  is  in  thee  :— » 

What  weights  of  blifs  their  happy  (boulders  load, 
Whofe  ftrength  lies  treafur'd  in  a  potent  God  I 
Self-drained  fouls,  yet  flowing  to  the  brim, 
Becaufe  void  in  themfelves,  but  full  in  him. 
Adam  the  firft  difcufs'd  their  ftock  of  ftrength, 
The  fecond  well  retriev'd  the  fum  at  length; 
Who  keeps  't  himfelf  a  furer  hand  indeed, 
To  give  not  as  they  lift,  but  as  they  need. 
When  raging  furies  threaten  fudden  harms, 
He  then  extends  his  everlafting  arms ; 

P 


378 


Gospel   Sonnets. 


Part  IV. 


When  Satan  drives  his  pointed  fiery  darts, 

He  gives  them  courage  and  undaunted  hearts 

To  quell  his  deadly  force  with  divine  (kill, 

And  adds  new  itrenoth  to  do  their  Sov'reUrn's  will  : 

When  fore  haraiVd  by  lome  outrageous  lull, 

He  levelling  its  pow'r  unto  the  dull 

Makes  faints  to  own  him  worthy  of  their  truft. 

Vcr.  6.  In  whofe  hearts  are  the  ways  of  thorn,  who  paf- 
fing  through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  well :  the 
rain  alio  filleth  the  pools. 

Such  heav'n-born  fouls  are  nor  to  earth  confiVd, 
Truth's  high-way  fills  their  elevated  mind  : 
They,  bound  for  Zu>n,  preis  with  forward  aim, 
As  li'r'els  males  to  old  Jerulalem. 
Their  holy  pith  lies  through  a  parched  land, 
Through  oppolitions  numerous  and  grand. 
Travel  ling  icoiched  defarts,  ragged  rocks, 
And  Baca's  wither'd  vale,  like  thirfty  flocks : 
Yet  with  unftiaken  vigour  homeward  go, 
Not  mov'd  by  all  oppofmg  harms  below. 
They  diggiug  wells  on  this  Gilboa  top, 
The  vale  of  Achor  yields  a  door  of  hope  : 
For  Heav'n  in  plenty  does  their  labour  crown, 
By  making  (ilver  mow'rsto  trickle  down  j 
Till  empty  pools  imbibe  a  pleafant  fill, 
And  weary  fouls  are  heart'ned  up  the  hill, 
By  marTy  drops  of  joy  which  down  diftill. 

Vcr.  7.  They  go  from  ftrength  to   ftrength,  everyone  of 
them  in  Zion  appeareth  before  God. 

Thus  they,  refremed  bv  fuperior  aid> 
Are  not  defatigated  nor  difmay'd  ; 
Becauft  they  are,  O  truth  of  awful  dread  1 
As  potent  as  Jehovah  in  their  Head. 


The  Believer*  s  Lodging.  279 

Hence  they  (hall  travel  with  triumphant  minds, 
In  fpite  of  ragged  paths  and  boilVrous  winds. 
The  roughelt  ways  their  vigour  ne'er  abates, 
Each  new  afTault  their  ftrength  redintegrates. 
When  they  through  mortal  blows  feem  to  give  o'er, 
Their  itrength  by  intermitting  gathers  more. 
And  thus  they,  with  unweary'd  zeal  endu'd, 
Still  as  they  journey  have  their  (Length  renew'd. 
So  glorious  is  the  race,  that  once  begun 
Each  one  contends  his  fellow  to  outrun; 
Till  all  uniting  id  a  glorious  band, 
Before  the  Lamb's  high  throne  adoring  Hand, 
And  harp  his  lofty  praife  in  Zion  land. 

Vcr.  8.  O  Lord  God  of  hofts,  hear  my  prayer  :  give  ear, 
O  God  of  Jacob. 

Great   God  of  num'rous  hods,  who  reigns  alone 
The  Ible  poirdfor  of  th'  imperial  throne  ; 
Since  mental  taftes  of  thy  delicious  grace 
So  fweetly  relifh  in  thy  holy  place, 
This  is  the  fubjec't  of  my  tabled  pray'r, 
To  have  the  vifion  of  thy  glory  there. 
O  let  my  cry  pierce  the  ethereal  frame, 
And  mercy's  echo  follow  down  the  fame. 
Omnifcient  Being,  favour  my  defire, 
Hide  not  thy  goodnefs  in  paternal  ire  : 
Why,  thou  halt  giv'n  in  an  eternal  band 
To  Jacob  and  his  feed  thy  royal  hand, 
And  promised  by  thy  (acred  Deity, 
His  King  and  covenanted  God  to  be  : 
Therefore  my  hopes  are  centet'd  all  in  thee. 

Vcr.  9.  Eehold,  O  God,  our  ihiekl ;  and  look  upon  the 
iace  oi  thine  anointed. 

Omnipotent,  whofe  armour  none  can  wield, 
Ziou's  great  buckler  and  defenfive  (hield  \ 


28g  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  1V\ 

Thy  pure  untainted  eyes  cannot  behold 

Deformed  mortals  in  their  finful  mould, 

Unlefs  their  names  be  graved  on  the  brealt 

Of  Zion's  holy  confecrated  Prieft. 

When  they  his  white  and  glorious  garment  wear, 

Then  (in  and  guilt  both  wholly  difappear  : 

Becaufe  o'erwhelmed  in  the  crimfon  flood, 

And  ocean  of  a  dying  Surety's  blood  : 

They  alfo,  vefted  with  his  radiant  grace, 

Reflet  the  luftre  of  his  holy  face. 

They're  not  themfelves  now,  but  divinely  trim, 

For  wholly  what  they  are,  they  are  in  him  : 

And  hence  J  e  h  o  v  a  h's  all-difcerning  eye 

Cannot  in  them  efpy  deformity. 

Then  look  on  him,   Lord  ;  and  in  him  on  me. 

Ver.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand  ; 
I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  houfe  of  my  God, 
than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickednefs. 

May  I  pofTefs,  as  thy  domeftic  child, 
The  houfe  that  by  Jehovah's  name  is  ftyl'd  : 
For  royal  glories  deck  thole  courts  of  thine, 
Which  with  majeftic  rays  fo  brightly  mine, 
That  fhould  my  mind  prefent  an  earth  of  gold, 
As  full  of  worldly  joys  as  earth  can  hold  : 
Sweet  grace  fo  fills  thy  houfe,  I'd  grudge  to  fpare 
One  moment  here,  for  thoufand  ages  there. 
No  earthly  objeflfc  (hall  my  love  confine, 
That  Being  which  pollenes  all,   is  mine, 
My  fpiric  therefore  rather  would  embrace 
The  meanelt  office  in  his  holy  place, 
And  by  the  threlhold  of  his  houfe  within, 
Than  lit  in  fplendour  on  a  throne  of  (in, 
In  Jems'  courts  I'd  choofe  the  lowed  place, 
At  his  faints  feet,  fo  I  might  fee  his  face. 


The  Btlirjer's  Lodging.  281 

Yea,  tho*  my  iamp  of  outward  peace  fhould  burn 
Moft  brightly,  yet  I  would  inceffant  mourn, 
While  in  a  wicked  Mefech  I  fojourn. 

Ver.  11.  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  fun  and  fhield  :  the  Lord 
will  gi?e  grace  and  glory ;  no  good  thing  will  he  with- 
hold from  them  that  walk  uprightly. 

For  God  the  Lord,  wbofe  courts  I  love  to  haunt, 
Is  ev'ry  thing  that  empty  fouls  can  want ; 
A  fun  for  light,  a  fhield  for  ftrength  ;  yea,  more, 
On  earth  he  gives  his  grace,  in  heav'n  his  glore. 
This  radiant  fun,  of  life  and  light  the  fource, 
Scatters  the  fhades  by  circumambient  courfe  ; 
Yea,  guides  bemifted  fouls  with  heartfome  beams, 
And  glorioufly  irradiating  gleams. 
This  mafiy  fhield  is  polifh'd  bright  with  pow'r, 
For  helping  weaklings  in  a  per'lous  hour. 
Here's  all  that  weary  travellers  would  have, 
A  fun  to  cherifh,  and  a  fhield  to  fave. 
Grace  alfo  here  is  giv'n  i9  adorn  the  foul, 
And  yield  to  glory  in  the  heav'nly  pole, 
All  di?ine  treafure  to  the  faint  is  due  ; 
Nothing's  deny'd,  if  truth  itfelf  be  true. 
The  treafure  is  fo  vaft  it  can't  be  told  ; 
Nothing  that  God  can  give  will  God  with-hold. 
To  whom  he  doth  his  laving  grace  impart, 
To  them  he  gives  himfelf,  his  hand,  his  heart  : 
Uprigbtnefs  too  of  heart  and  life  does  fall 
Unto  their  fhare,  who  having  him,  have  all. 
In  them  the  grace  he  gives,   he  ftill  regards ; 
Gives  holinefs,  and  then  his  gift  rewards. 
For  to  his  own  upright  and  divine  brood 
He'sbound  to  grant  ev'n  all  that's  great  and  good. 
By's  own  fure  word,  firm  oath,  and  facred  blood. 


282  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  IV. 

Ver.  12.  O  Lord  of  hofts,  bleiTedis  the  man  that  trufteth 
in  thee. 

O  then,  Jehovah,  God  of  armies  ftrong, 
To  whom  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  heav'n  belong  ; 
How  vaftiy  blefTed  is  the  fixed  man, 
Who  by  a  firm  fiducial  boldnefs  can, 
Through  grace  and  ftrength  difpenfed  from  above, 
So  fweetly  fcan  the  height  of  divine  love, 
As  to  derive  his  comfort  wholly  thence, 
And  on  this  rock  to  found  his  confidence  ! 
Whofe  faith  has  rear'd  up  for  a  firm  abode, 
A  liable  building  on  a  living  God  \ 
Who,  fpoil'd  of  human  props  both  great  and  fmall, 
Does  choofe  a  triune  Deity  for  all  ? 
What  fcrolls  of  blifs  are  in  this  All  inroll'd, 
Is  too  fublime  for  feraphs  to  unfold. 
Sift,  human  wifdom,  in  a  deep  amaze! 
Let  rapid  floods  of  life  his  glory  raife, 
Till  time  be  drown'd  in  his  eternal  praifc. 

A  fourfold  Exereife  for  the  Believer  in 
his  Lodging  on  Earth. 

I.  The  HOLY  LAW:  Or,  The  Ten  Commandments, 
Exod.  xx.  3,— -17. 

1.  N  O  God  but  me  thou  {halt  adore. 

2.  No  image  frame  to  bow  before. 

3.  My  holy  name  rake  net  in  vain. 

4.  My  facred  Sabbath  don't  profane. 

5.  To  parents  render  duerefpedfc. 

6.  All  murder  lhun,  and  malice  check. 

7.  From  filth  and  whoredom  bafe  abftain. 

8.  From  theft  and  all  unlawful  sain. 

9.  Faife  witnefs  flee,  and  fland'ring  fpite. 
Ip.  Nor  covet  what's  thy  neighbour's  right. 


The  Believer's  Lodging.  283 

II.  The  UNHOLY  HEART,  the  direft  oppofite  to 
God's  holy  and  righteous  law,  Rom.  vii.  I4«  Ort 
The  knowledge  of  fin  by  the  law,  Rom.  iii.  20» 

1.  MY  heart's  to  many  gods  a  Have. 

2.  Of  imagery  an  hideous  cave. 

3.  An  Iroaid  of  God-diihon'ring  crimes. 

4.  A  waller  bafe  of  holy  times. 

5.  A  throne  of  pride  and  felf-conceit. 

6    A  fhughter-houfe  of  wrath  and  hate. 

7.  A  cage  of  birds  and  thoughts  unclean. 

8.  A  den  of  thieves  and  frauds  unfeen. 

9.  An  heap  of  calumnies  unfpent. 
10.  A  gulf  of  greed  and  diicontent. 

in.  The    GLORIOUS   GOSPEL:    Or,  Chrift  the 
end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs,  Rom.  x.  4« 

And  the  abfolute  need  of  this  remedy  inferred  from  the 
pre  miles. 

HENCE  I  conclude  and  clearly  fee, 

There's  by  the  law  no  life  for  me ; 

Which  damns  each  foul  to  endlefs  thrall, 

Whofe  heart  and  life  fulfils  not  all. 

What  (hall  1  do,  unlefs  for  bail 

1  from  the  law  to  grace  appeal? 

She  reigns  through  Jelus*  righteoufnefs, 

Which  giving  juitice  full  redrefs, 

On  grace's  door  this  motto  graved, 

Let  fin  be  dtmnd,   and  /inner s  favd. 

O  w  ifdom's  deep  myftcrious  way  i 

Lo,  at  this  door  I'll  waiting  ftay, 

Till  fin  and  hell  both  pals  away. 

But  in  this  blifs  to  fhew  my  parr,  1 

Grant,'  through  thy  law  grav'd  in  my  heart,     \ 

My  life  may  ihew  thy  graving  art,  J 


284  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  IV. 

IV.  The  PRAYER  of  FAITH. 

Which  may  be  conceived  in  the  following  words  of  a  cer- 
tain author. 

SIM  tuus  in  vita,  tua  funt  mea  funera,  Chrifte: 
Da,  precor,  imperii  fceptra  tenere  tui. 

Cur  etenim,  moriens,  tot  vulnera  fasva  tulifti, 
Si  non  fum  regni  portio  parva  tui  ? 

Cur  rigido  latuit  tua  vita  inclufa  fepulchro, 
Si  non  eft  mea  mors  morte  fugata  tua  ? 

Ergo  mihi  certam  prseftes,  O  Chrifte,  falutem  ; 
Meque  tuo  lotum  fanguine,  Chrifte,  juva. 

Which  may  be  thus  Englifhed  : 

JESUS,  I'm  thine  in  life  and  death, 
Oh  let  me  conqu'ring  hold  thy  throne, 

Why  fhar'd  the  crofs  thy  vital  breath, 
If  not  to  make  me  fliare  thy  crown  ? 

Why  laid  in  jail  of  cruel  grave, 

If  not  thy  death  from  death  me  free  ? 

Then,  Lord,  infure  the  bills  I  crave, 
Seal'd  with  thy  blood,  and  fuccour  me. 


The  End  of  the  Believer's  Lodging 


_ 


jfii  jfc^^^*  fa 


GOSPEL  SONNETS, 


PART     V. 

The  Believer's   Soliloquy; 

Efpecially  in  times  of  defertion,  tempta- 
tion, affli&ion,  &c. 

SECT.     L 

The  defertcd  Believer  longing  for  perfect  freedom  from 
fm. 

AH  mournful  cafe!   what  can  afford 
Contentment-,  when  an  abfent  Lord 
Will  new  his  kindnefs  neither  prove 
By  fmiies  of  grace,  nor  lines  of  love  ! 

What  heart  can  joy,  what  foul  can  ling, 
While  winter  over-runs  the  fpring  ? 
I  die,  yet  can't  my  death  condole  ; 
Lord,  fave  a  dying,  drooping  foul. 

In  pain,  yet  unconcern'd  1  live, 
And  languifli  when  I  fhould  believe. 
Lord,  if  thou  ceafe  to  come  and  flay, 
My  foul  in  fiq  will  pine  away. 

Tn  (In,  whofe  ill  no  tongue  can  tell, 
To  live  is  death,  to  die  is  hell  ; 
O  fave  if  not  from  thrall's  arreft, 
Yet  fave  me,  Lord,  from  fin  at  leak 

P  % 


3$6 


Go  stei  Sonnets. 


Part  V. 


This  for  lm  merit's  fake  I  feek, 
Whole  blood  and  wounds  do  mercy  fpeak  j 
Who  left  the  rank  of  glorious  choirs, 
And  heav'nlv  flow'rs  tor  earthly  brier?. 

Our  Samfon  took  an  holy  nap 
Upon  our  feeble  nature's  lap: 
He,   wand'ring  in  a  pilgrim's  weed, 
Did  tafte  our  griefs,  to  help  our  need. 

Earth's  fury  did  upon  him  light : 
How  black  was  Herod's  cruel  fpite  ! 
Who,  to  be  fure  of  murd'ring  one, 
Led  he  br  fpar'd  did  pity  none  ! 

Hell  hunts  the  Babe  a  few  davs  old, 
That  came  to  rifle  Satan's  fold  ; 
All  hands  puriVd  hirn  ev'n  to  death, 
That  came  to  lave  from  fin  and  wrath. 

O  mercy,  ignorant  of  bounds ! 
Which  ail  created  thought  confounds; 
He  ran  outripht  a  favin^  race 
For  them  that  unto  death  him  chafe. 

O  fin  !  how  heavy  is  thy  weight, 
That  prefs'd  the  glorious  God  of  might, 
Till  proftrate  on  the  freezing  ground, 
lie  fweat  his  clotted  blood  around  ! 

His  hand  the  pond'rous  globe  does  prop, 
This  weight  ne'er  made  him  fweat  a  drop: 
But  when  fin's  load  upon  him  lies, 
He  falls  and  fweats,   and  groans  and  dies. 

Alas!  if  God  fink  under  fin, 
How  fhall  the  man  that  dies  therein! 
How  deeply  down,  when  to  the  load 
He  adds  the  flighted  blo^d  of  Gcd  ? 


_ 


Sett.  I.  The  Believer's  Solil^uy.  287 

Lord,  let  thy  fall  my  rife  obtain, 
Thy  grievous  fhame  my  glory  gain  ; 
Thy  crofs  my  lading  crown  procure, 
Thy  death  my  endleis  life  infure. 

O  fend  me  down  a  draught  of  love, 
Or  take  me  hence  to  drink  above  : 
Here  Marah's  water  fills  my  cup, 
But  there  all  grief;  are  (wallow 'd  up* 

Love  here  is  fcarce  a  faint  defire ; 
But  there  the  (park's  a  flaming  lire. 
Joys  here  are  drops  that  pafling  flee, 
But  there  an  ever- flowing  fea. 

My  faith,  that  fees  fo  darkly  here, 
Will  there  refign  to  vifion  clear ; 
My  hope,  that's  here  a  weary  groanP 
Will  to  fruition  yield  the  throne. 

Here  fetters  hamper  freedom's  wing, 
But  there  the  captive  is  a  king: 
And  grace  is  like  a  bury'd  feed, 
But  finaers  there  are  faints  indeed. 

Thy  portion's  here  a  crumb  at  be  ft, 
But  there  the  Lamb's  eternal  feaft  ; 
My  praife  is  now  a  (Vnother'd  fire, 
But  then  I'll  fing  and  never  tire. 

Now  dufky  fhadows  cloud  my  day, 
But  then  the  (hades  will  flee  away  : 
My  Lord  will  break  the  dimming  glafs, 
And  (hew  his  glory  face  to  face. 

My  num'rous  foes  now  beat  me  down, 
But  then  I'll  wear  the  victor's  crown } 
Yet  all  the  revenues  I'll  bring 
To  Zion's  everlafting  King. 


$88  Gospel   Sonnets.        Part  V. 

SECT.     II. 

The  deferted  Believer's  prayer  under  complaints  of  un- 
belief, darknefs?  deadnefs,  and  hardnefs. , 

WHAT  means  this  wicked,  wand'ring  heart  ? 

This  trembling  ague  of  my  foul .? 
Would  Jefus  but  a  look  impart, 

One  look  from  him  would  make  me  whole* 

But  will  he  turn  to  me  his1  face, 

From  whom  he  juftly  did  withdraw  ? 

To  me  who  flighted  ail  that  grace        :    ' 
I  in  my  pad  experience  faw  ? 

Lord,  for  thy  prom ife  fake,  return, 
Apply  thy  pard'ning,  cleanfing  blood  \ 

Look  down  with  pity  on  a  worm, 
With  cov'narit- mercy  do  me  good. 

When  thy  free  Sp'rit  the  word  applies., 
And  kindly  tells  me  thou  art  mine, 

My  faithlefs  finking  heart  replies, 
Ah,  Lord  1  I  wifh  I  could  be  thine. 

My  faith's  fo  'nighted  in  my  doubts, 

I  cad  the  offer'd  good  away  ; 
And  lofe,  by  railing  vain  difputes, 

The  wonted  bleffings  of  the  day,, 

Was  e'er  one  prefs'd  with  fuch  a  load, 
Or  pierc'd  with  fuch  an  unfeen  dart : 

To  find  at  once  an  abfent  God, 
And  yet,  alas  !  a  carelefs  heart  ? 

Such  grief  as  mine,  a  g.ieflefs  grief, 

Did  ever  any  mortal  (hare  ! 
An  hopelefs  hope,  a  lifelefs  life, 

Or  fuch  unwonted  careleff  care  \ 


3ec"t.  II.  Tie  Believer's  Soliloquy.  289 

'Tis  fad,  Lord  !   when  for  night's  folace, 
Nor  moon,  nor  ftarry  gleams  appear  : 
Yet  worfe,  when  in  this  ciiimal  cafe 
!    My  heart  is  harden'd  from  thy  fear. 

'Twas  not  becaufe  no  fhow'rs  did  flow 

Of  heavenly  manna  at  my  door  ; 
But  by  my  folly  I'm  into 

A  worfe  condition  than  befon 


■e. 


Come,  Lord,  with  greater  pow'r  ;  for  why, 
Mine,  fure,  is  not  a  common  cafe  : 

Thou  ofler'fl  to  unvail  ;   yet  I 
Do  fca;ce  inciine  to  fee  thy  face. 

Such  languid  faint  defires  I  feel 
Within  this  wicked  ftupid  heart  : 

J  fliould,   I  would,  but  that  I  will 
I  hardly  dare  with  truth  afTert. 

0  to  be  free  of  that  vile  wrack, 

That  bafely  keeps  me  from  my  God  I 

1  flee  from  thee,  Lord ;   bring  me  back 

By  tender  love,  or  by  thy  rod. 

In  paths  of  righteoufnefs  direct, 
New  proofs  of  thy  remiffion  give  ; 

Then  of  thy  name  I'll  mention  make 
With  grateful  praifes  while  I  live. 

On  banks  of  mercy's  boundlefs  deep, 
With  fweeter  eafe  I'll  foar  and  ling, 

Tlran  kings  of  feather 'd  hofts,  that  iweep 
The  oozy  fhore  with  eafy  wing. 

But  if  thy  mind  omnifcient  know 

I'm  for  this  abfent  blifs  unfit, 
Give  grace  to  hate  my  fins,  and  to 

Their  righteous  punifhment  fubmit. 


i 


290  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  V. 

But  let  me  ne'er  thy  Spirit  lack, 

That  by  his  aid  my  pray'rs  may  come 
Before  him  who  can  wifely  make 
A  Ev'n  diftance  lead  his  people  home. 

Deep  wifdom  can  my  foul  prepare 

By  prefent  woes  for  abfent  blifs. 
By  acid  griefs  that  now  I  fhare, 

He  can  convey  the  joys  I  mil's. 

Who  all  from  nothing's  womb  difclos'd, 
Can  make  th'  amazing  product  ceafe  ; 

With  him  our  order  is  confus'd, 

By  him  confufion  brings  forth  peace. 

Then,  Lord,  ne'er  let  me  bafely  fpurn 
Againfl:  thy  fearchlefs  unknown  ways; 

But  magnify  thy  work,  and  turn 
My  groans  and  murmurs  into  prajfe. 

Let  me  fubmiflive,  while  I  live, 
Thy  awful  juftice  own  with  fear  : 

Yet  penfive  let  me  never  grieve 
Thy  tender  mercy  by  defpair. 

Since  though  by  fin  I  foully  fwerv'd, 

And  lewdly  from  my  glory  fell, 
I'm  ehaften'd  here,  and  not  referv'd 

To  feel  the  weight  of  fin  in  hell. 

Thy  high  right  hand's  once  joyful  days 

In  my  diftrefs  I'll  call  to  mind  ; 
And  own  that  all  thy  darkell  ways 

Will  clearly  prove  thee  good  and  kind. 

SECT.     III. 

The  Believer  wading  thro*  deeps  of  defertion  and  cor- 
ruption. 

LORD,  when  thy  face  thou  hid'fly 
And  leav'ft  me  long  to  plore, 


Se<?t.  III.  The  Believer's  Soltlcjuy.  iy\ 

I  faithlefs  doubt  of  all  thou  didft 
And  wrought'ft  for  me  before. 

No  marks  of  love  I  find, 

No  grains  of  grace,  but  wracks ; 
No  track  of  heav'n  is  left  behind, 
No  groan,  no  fmoaking  flax. 

But  fay,  if  all  the  gufts 

And  grains  of  love  be  fpent, 
Say,  Farewell  Chrift>  and  'welcome  lujls  : 
Stop,  (lop  ;   I  melt,  I  faint. 

Lord,  yet  thou  haft  my  heart, 
This  bargain  black  I  hate  ; 
I  dare  not,  cannot,  will  not  part 

With  thee  at  fuch  a  rate.  * 

Once  like  a  father  good, 

Thou  didfl  with  grace  perfume  ; 
Waft  thou  a  father  to  conclude 

With  dreadful  judge's  doom  ? 

Confirm  thy  former  deed, 
Reform  what  is  denTd  ; 
I  was,   I  am,   I'll  ftill  abide 

Thy  choice,  thy  charge,  thy  child. 

Love-feals  thou  didft  impart, 
Lock'd  up  in  mind  I  have  ; 
Hell  cannot  rafe  out  of  my  heart 

What  heav'n  did  there  ingrave. 

Thou  once  did  make  me  whole 
By  thy  almighty  hand  ; 
Thou  mad'ft  me  vow  and  gift  my  foul ; 
Both  vow  and  gift  fhali  itand. 

But,  fince  my  folly  grofs 
My  joyful  cup  did  fpill, 


2y2  Gpspel    Sonnets.        Part  V* 

Make  me  the  captive  of  thy  crofs, 
Submiflive  to  thy  will. 

Self  in  myfelf  I  hate, 

That's  matter  of  my  groan  ; 
Nor  can  I  rid  me  from  the  mate 
That  caufes  me  to  moan, 

O  frail,  unconftant  flefli ! 
Soon  trapt  in  ev'ry  gin  ; 
Soon  turn'd,  o'erturn'd,  and  fo  a-frefh 
Phmg'd  in  the  gulf  of  fin. 

Shall  I  be  flave  to  fin, 

My  Lord's  moft  bloody  foe  ! 
I  feel  its  pow'rful  fway  within, 
How  long  fhall  it  be  fo  f 

How  long,  Lord,   (hall  I  (lay  ? 
How  long  in  Mefech  here  ? 
Diflion'ring  thee  from  day  to  day, 
Whofe  name's  to  me  fo  dear  ? 

While  fin,  Lord,  breeds  my  grief, 
And  makes  me  fadly  pine  ; 
With  blinks  of  grace,  O  grant  relief, 
Till  beams  of  glory  (hine. 

SECT.     IV. 

Complaint  of  fin,  forrow,  and  want  of  ]pve- 

IF  black  doom  by  defert  fhould  go, 
Then,  Lord,   my  due  defert  is  death; 

Which  robs  from  fouls  immortal  joy, 
And  from  their  bodies  mortal  breath. 

But  in  fo  great  a  Saviour, 

Can  e'er  fo  bafe  a  worm's  annoy 

Add  any  glory  to  thy  pow'r, 
Or  any  gladnefs  to  thy  joy  ? 


Seel.  IV.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy.  293 

Thou  juftly  may'fl:  me  doom  to  death., 

And  everlafting  flames  of  fire  ; 
Cut  on  a  wretch  to  pour  thy  wrath 

Can  never  fure  be  worth  thine  ire. 

Since  Jefus  the  atonement  was, 

Let  tender  mercy  me  releafe  ; 
Let  him  be  umpire  of  my  caufe, 

And  pals  the  gladfome  doom  of  peace. 

Let  grace  forgive,  and  love  forget 

My  bafe,  my  vile  a pofta  fy ; 
And  temper  thy  deferved  hate 

With  love  and  mercy  toward  me. 

1 

The  ruffling  winds  and  raging  blafts 
Hold  me  in  conftant  cruel  chace  ; 
They  break  my  anchors,  fails,   and  malts, 
;  Allowing  no  repofing  place. 

The  boift'rous  feas  with  fwelling  floods, 

On  ev*ry  fide  againft  me  fight. 
Heav'n,  overcaft  with  ftormy  clouds., 
:    Dims  all  the  planets  guiding  light.    ! 

The  hellifh  furies  lie  in  wait, 

To  win  my  foulinto  their  pow'r  ; 

To  make  me  bite  at  ev'ry  bait, 
And  thus  my  killing  bane  devour. 

I  lie  inchain'd  in  fin  and  thrall, 

Next  border  unto  black  defpair  ; 
Till  grace  reftore,   and  of  my  fall 

The  doleful  ruins  all  repair. 

My  havYing  thoughts  would  flee  to  glore5 

And  neftle  fife  above  the  fky  ; 
Fain  would  my  tumbling  (hip  afhore 

At  that  fure  anchor  quiet  lie0 


294 


Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  V. 


1 


Bat  mounting  thoughts  are  haled  down 
With  heavy  poife  of  corrupt  load  ; 

And  blufVring  ftorms  deny  with  frown 
An  harbour  of  fecure  abode. 

To  drown  the  wight  that  wakes  the  blaft, 
Thy  fin-fubduing  grace  afford  ; 

The  ftorm  might  ceafe,  could  I  but  call 
This  troublous  Jonah  over-board. 

Bafe  flefh,  with  flefhly  pleafures  gain'd, 
Sweet  grace's  kindly  fuit  declines; 

When  mercy  courts  me  for  its  friend^ 
Anon  my  fordid  flefh  repines. 

Soar  up,  ray  foul,  to  Tabor  hill, 
Call  off  this  lothfome  prefling  load  ; 

Long  is  the  date  of  thine  exile, 

While  abfent  from  the  Lord  tky  God. 

Dote  not  on  earthly  weeds  and  toys, 
Which  do  not,  cannot  fuit  thy  tafte  : 

The  flow'rs  of  everlafting  joys 
Grow  up  apace  for  thy  repaft. 

Sith  that  the  glorious  God  above 

In  Jefus  bears  a  love  to  thee; 
How  bafe,  how  brutifh  is  thy  love 

Of  any  being  lefs  than  he  ? 

Who  for  thy  love  did  choofe  thy  grief, 
Content  in  love  to  live  and  die  : 

Who  lov'd  thy  love  more  than  his  life, 
And  with  his  life  thy  love  did  buy. 

Since  then  the  God  of  richeft  love 
With  thy  poor  love  enamour'd  is ; 

How  high  a  crime  will  thee  reprove 
If  not  enamoured  deep  with  his  ? 


Sect.  V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy.  29  c 

Since  on  the  verdant  field  of  grace 
His  love  does  thine  fo  hot  purfue : 

Let  love  meet  love  with  chafte  embrace, 
Thy  mite  a  thou  fan d -fold  is  due. 

Rife  love,  thou  early  heav'n,  and  fing, 
Young  little  dawn  of  endlefs  day  : 

I'll  on  thy  mounting  fiery  wing 
In  joyful  raptures  melt  away. 

SECT,     V, 

The  deferted  foul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's  gracioqs  and 
fm-fubduing  prefence. 

KIND  Jefus,  come  in  love  to  me, 

And  make  no  longer  ftay ; 
Or  elfe  receive  my  foul  to  thee, 

That  breathes  to  be  away. 

A  Lazar  at  thy  gate  I  lie, 

As  well  it  me  becomes,    , 
For  children's  bread  afham'd  to  cry ; 

O  grant  a  dog  the  crumbs. 

My  wounds  and  rags  ray  need  proclaim, 

Thy  needful  help  infure  : 
My  wounds  bear  witnefs  that  I'm  lame, 

My  rags  that  I  am  poor. 

Thou  many  at  thy  door  doft  feed 

With  mercy  when  diftreft  ; 
O  wilt  thou  not  (hew  an  alms  deed 

To  me  among  the  reft  ? 

None  elfe  can  give  my  foul  relief, 

None  elfe  can  eafe  my  moan, 
But  he  whofe  abfence  is  my  grief 

All  other  joys  be  gone. 


296  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  V» 

How  can  I  ceafe  from  fad  complaint, 

How  can  I  be  at  reft  ? 
My  mind  can  never  be  content 

To  want  my  noble  gueft. 

Drop  down,  mine  eyes,  and  never  tire, 

Ceafe  not  on  any  terms, 
Until  I  have  my  hearts  defire, 

My  Lord  within  mine  arms. 

My  heart,  my  hand,  my  fpirits  fail, 

When  hiding  off  he  goes ; 
My  fiefh,  my  foes,  my  lulls  prevail, 

And  work  my  daily  woes. 

When  fhall  I  fee  that  glorious  fight 

Will  all  my  fins  deftroy  ? 
That  Lord  of  love,  that  lamp  of  light, 

Will  banifh  all  annoy  ? 

O  could  I  but  from  finning  ceafe, 

And  wait  on  Pifgah's  hill, 
Until  I  fee  him  face  to  face, 

Then  fhculd  my  foul  be  ftill. 

But  fince  corruption  cleaves  to  me 

While  I  in  Kecjar  dwell ; 
O  give  me  leave  to  long  for  thee, 

For  abfence  is  a  hell. 

Thy  glory  ihould  be  dear  to  me, 

Who  me  fo  dear  haft  bought : 
O  fave  from  rend'ring  ill  10  thee 

For  good  which  thou  haft  wrought* 

With  fear  I  crave,  with  hope  I  cry, 

Oh  promis'd  favour  fend; 
Be  thou  thyfelf,  though  changeling  I 

Ungratefully  offeed. 


Seel.  VI.  The  Believer's  SoliUquy.  297 

Out  of  thy  way  remove  the  lets, 

Cleanfe  this  polluted  den  ; 
Tender  my  fuits,  cancel  my  debts :  * 

Sweet  Jefus,  fay,  Amen. 

SECT.     VL 

The  Song  of  Heaven  defired  by  Saints  on  Eartl 

AURORA  veils  her  rofy  face 
When  brighter  Phoebus  takes  her  place  ; 
So  glad  will  grace  refign  her  room 
To  glory  in  the  heav'nly  home. 

Happy  the  company  that's  gone 

From  crols  to  crown,  from  thrall  to  throne  ; 

How  loud  they  fing  upon  the  (hoi 

To  which  they  fail'd  in  heart  before  ! 

Blefs'd  are  the  dead,  yea,  faith  the  Word, 
That  die  in  Chriji  the  living  Lord7 
And  on  the  otiier  fide  of  death 
Thus  joyful  fpend  their  praifing  bream  : 

u  Death  from  all  death  has  fet  us  free, 

u  And  will  our  gain  for  ever  be  ; 

{t  Death  loos'd  the  marly  chains  of  wo, 

"  To  let  the  mournful  captives  go.  , 

u   Death  is  to  us  a  fweet  repofe  ; 

The  bud  was  op'd  to  fliew  the  rofe  ; 
The  cage  was  broke  to  let  us  fly, 
And  build  our  happy  neft  on  high. 

u   Lo,  here  we  do  triumphant  reign, 
u  And  joyful  ling  in  lofty  {train  : 
u  Lo,  here  we  reir,  and  love  to  be, 
u  Enjoying  more  than  faith  could  fee. 

The  thoufandth  part  we  now  behold. 
By  mortal  tongnes  was  never  told  ; 


<< 


a 


€€ 

it 


298  G©spel    Sonnets.  Part  V. 

<l  We  got  a  tafte,   but  now  above 
u  We  forage  in  the  fields  of  love. 

a  Faith  once  ftole  down  a  diftant  kifs, 
u  Now  love  cleaves  to  the  cheek  of  blifs  : 
"  Beyond  the  fears  of  more  miihap 
ft  We  gladly  relt  in  glory's  lap. 

€€  Earth  was  to  us  a  feat  of  war, 
In  thrones  of  triumph  now  we  are. 
We  long'd  to  fee  our  Jefus  dear, 
And  fought  him  there,   but  find  him  here. 

u  We  walk  in  white  without  annoy, 
|C  In  glorious  galleries  of  joy  : 
u   And  crown'd  with  everlafting  bays, 
u  We  rival  Cherubs  in  their  praife. 

a  No  longer  we  complain  of  wants, 

11  We  fee  the  glorious  King  of  faint5, 

u  A  mid  ft  bis  joyful  hofts  around, 

u  With  all  the  divine  glory  crown'd. 

((  We  fee  him  at  his  table  head 
u  With  living  water,  living  bread, 
u  His  cheerful  guefts  incelTant  load 
"  With  all  the  plenitude  of  God. 

"  We  fee  the  holy  flaming  fires, 

u  Cherubic  and  feraphic  quires; 

u  And  gladly  join  with  thole  on  high, 

"  To  warble  praife  eternally. 

u  Glory  to  God  that  here  we  came, 
€t  And  j*lory  to  the  glorious  Lamb. 
<c  Our  light,  our  life,  our  joy,  our  all 
"  Is  in  our  arms,  and  ever  fhall. 

u  Our.  Lord  is  ours,  and  we  are  his ; 
u  Yea,  now  we  fee  him  as  he  is  : 


Seel.  VI.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy.  209 

u  And  hence  we  like  unto  him  are, 
t€  And  full  hi3  glorious  image  (hare. 

4<  No  darknefs  now,  no  difmal  night, 
u  No  vapour  intercepts  the  light  ; 
u  We  fee  for  ever  face  to  face, 
u  The  hightll  Prince  in  highcft  place. 

u  This,  this,  does  heav'n  enough  afford, 

M  We  are  for  ever  with  the  Lord  : 

u  We  want  no  more,  for  all  is  giv'n  ; 

t€  His  prefence  is  the  heart  (Sftieav*fc.M 

While  thus  I  laid  my  lifVning  ear 
Clofe  to  the  door  of  heav'n  to  hear; 
And  then  the  lacred  page  did  view, 
Which  told  me  all  I  heard  was  true ; 

Yet  (hew'd  me  that  the  heav'nly  fong 
Surpaffes  every  mortal  tongue, 
With  fuch  unutterable  drains 
As  none  in  feu'ring  flefh  attains : 

Then  faid  I,  "  O  to  mount  away, 
"  And  leave  this  clog  of  heavy  clay/ 
<c   Let  wings  of  time  more  hafty  fly, 
*'  That  1  may  join  the  fongs  on  high,' 


The  End  of  th:  Believer's   Soliloquy. 


GOSPEL  SONNETS. 


PART    VI. 

The  Believer's  Principles, 

CONCERNING 

1.  CREATION  AND  REDEMPTION. 

2.  LAW  AND  GOSPEL. 

3.  JUSTIFICATION  AND  SANCTIFICATION. 

4.  FAITH  AND  SENSE. 

5.  HEAVEN  AND  EARTH. 

CHAR     I. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 
Creation  and  Redemption  ;  or,  Some  of 
the  firft  Principles  of  the  Oracles  of 
God. 

SECT.     I. 

Of    CREATION. 

The  firft  chapter  of  Genefis  compendized  j  or>  the  firft 
feven  days  work,  from  the  following  Latin  lines.  En- 
glifhed. 

PRima  dies  ecelum,  &  terram,  lucemque,  creavit. 
Altera  diftendit  fpatium,  difcrimen  aquarum. 
Tertia  fecernens  undas,  dat  gramina  terris. 
Quarta  creat  folem  &  iunam,  coelefliaque  aftfa. 
Quinta  dedit  pifces,  eadem  genus  omne  volantum. 
Sexta  tulit  pecudes,hominem  quoque  quemDeus  ipfe. 
Condidit  ;    inde  open's  tequies  lux  feptima  fuldt. 


Chap.  I.  Ttli  Believer's  Principles.  30  i 

In  Englifh  thus: 

1.  The  fir  ft  day  hcav'rr,  earth,  Kgfat,  Jehovah  ftlrli 

2.  The  next,  a  water- fundVing  firmament,  [pride. 
%.  The  third  m-ide  dry  land  fpring  with  flowVy 

4.  The  fourth  fet  up  bright  lamps  time  to  divide. 

5.  The  fifth  brought  fwimming  hfh  and  flying  fowL 

6.  The  6th,  earth'*  herds,  and  man  to  bear  the  rule. 

7.  The  7th  brought  forth  no  more,  yet  brought  the 
The  lab'iing  creature's  and  Creator's  reft,   [beitP 

Or  thus : 

The  firit  Jay  at  Jehovah's  word, 

Did  heav'n,  and  earth>  and  light  afford-. 

The  next  a  firmament  fo  wide 

As  might  the  water's  courie  divide. 

■ 

The  third,  fevering  land  from  feas, 

Made  earth  produce  herbs,  grais,  and  \rezs. 

The  fourth,  fun,  moon,  and  ftars  of  ligforjr 
Set  up  to  rule  the  day  and  night. 

The  fifth  made  fifh  to  depths  to  move* 
And  fowls  to  fly  in  air  above 

. 

The  fixth  all  earthly  beads  diJ  bring, 
And  m4n  to  be  the  creature's  kin^. 

The  feventh  of  all  thefe  days  the  belt, 
Was  made  for  God  and  man  to  /v/?. 

Redemption-work  duth  bring  again 
The  firit  of  thtfc  to  be  the  main  i 

Fetching  new  keavns  and  earth  in  figh 
And  immortality  to  light. 

Since  then  \Jbtfirfi  ii>  uow  the  be/?, 
Keep  well  this  plcdg*?  of  cndlcfa  refi. 


302 


Gospel  Sonnets. 
The  SUM  of  CREATION. 


Pait  VI. 


All  things  from  nothing,  to  their  fov'reign  Lord, 
Obedient  rofe  at  his  commanding  word. 
Fair  in  his  eye  the  whole  creation  flood  ; 
He  faw  the  building  and  pronounc'd  it  good. 

And  now  each  work  (while  nature's  fabric  flands) 
Loud  for  its  wife  and  mighty  Lord  demands 
A  rent  of  praife,  a  loud  and  lofty  fong, 
From  ev'ry  rational  beholder's  tongue, 

SECT.     II. 

Of    REDEMPTION. 

The  myfiery  of  the  Redeemer's  incarnation;   or,  God 
manifeiled  in  the  flefh,  i  Tim.  iii.  16.  John  i.  14. 

WHAT  though  the  waters,  (truck  with  dread^ 
Rife  up  and  form  a  pyramid  ? 
Though  floods  mould  gufh  from  rocks  and  {tones, 
Or  living  fouls  from  wither'd  bones? 

To  hear  of  an  incarnate  God, 
Is  yet  more  wonderful  and  odd  j 
Or  to  behold  how  God  mod  high 
Could  in  our  nature  breathe  and  die. 

What  though  the  bright  angelic  forms 
Degraded  were  to  crawling  worms? 
Thefe  creatures  were  but  creatures  Mill, 
Transform'd  at  their  Creator's  will. 

Though  creatures  change  a  thoufand  ways, 
It  cannot  fuch  amazement  raife, 
Nor  fuch  a  fcene  as  this  difplay, 
Th'  eternal  IVord  a  piece  of  clay, 

God-man  a  ftrange  contexture  flx'd  ; 
Yet  not  *«nfufed  nor  comniiVd  \ 


. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer"  s  Principles.  303 

Yet  (till  a  myftery  great  and  frefh, 
A  Spirit  infinite  made  flfo. 

What  though  when  nothing  heard  his  call, 
Nothing  obey'd  and  brought  forth  all? 
What  though  he  nothing's  brood  maintain, 
Or  all  annihilate  again  ? 

Let  nothing  into  being  pafs, 
Or  back  again  to  what  it  was? 
But  lo  !   the  God  of  beings  here, 
As  turn'd  to  nothing  doth  appear. 

All  heavVs  aftoniuVd  at  his  form, 
The  mighty  God  became  a  worm. 
Down  Arian  pride  to  him  (hall  bow, 
He's  Jefus  and  Jehovah  too. 

The  SUM  of  REDEMPTION. 

With  haughty  mind  to  Godhead  man  afpir'd, 
With  loving  mind  our  manhood God  dehVd  : 
Man  was  by  pride  from  place  of  pleafure  chas'd, 
Goo- man  by  love  in  greater  pleafure  plac'd, 

Man  feeking  to  afcend  procur'd  our  fall, 
God  yielding  to  dtfeend  remov'd  our  thrall  : 
The  judge  was  cart,  the  guilty  to  acquit, 
The  fun  defae'd  to  lend  the  (hades  the  light. 

-SECT,     III. 

The  REDEEMER'S   WORK;  or,  Christ  all  in 
all,  and  our  complete  Redemption. 

A  Cofpel-Cdtechifm  for  youffg  Chrifiians. 

Question. 
KIND  teacher,  may  I  come  to  learn 

In  this  abrupt  addrefs, 
By  framing  queftions  that  concern 


Gospel   Sonnets. 

Answer. 

Yea,  chiM  ;   but  if  you'd  learn  to  run 

The  great  falvation-race, 
Know  that  the  name  of  Chrift:  alone 

Can  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe. 

Q.  By  fin,  my  God  and  all  is  loft, 
O  where  may  God  be  found  ? 

A.   In  Chrift  ;   for  fo  the  Koly  Ghoft 
Shews  by  the  joyful  found, 

Q^.  But  how  will  God  with  finful  me 

Again  be  reconciTd  ? 
iV«  In  Chrift,  in  whom  his  grace  to  thes 

And  favour  is  reveaPd. 

Ql  O  how  {hall  I  a  (barer  prove, 
And  fee  his  glorious  grace  ? 

A.   In  Chrift,  the  image  of  his  love, 
And  brightnefs  of  his  face. 

Q^  Where  (hall  I  feek  all  divine  ft  ore, 

And  without  fail  obtain  ; 
A.  In  Chrift,  in  whom  for  evermore 

His  fulnefs  does  remain. 

Q^  But  how  (hall  I  tfcapd  and  flee 
Th*  avenging  ivrath  of  God  ? 

A.   In  Chrift,  who  bore  upon  the  tree 
That  whole  amazing  load. 

Q;   Alas !    I'm  daily  apt  to  ft  ray, 

How  ftiall  I  heav'nward  make  ? 

A«   Through  Chrift  the  confecrated  way, 
Defign'd  for  thee  to  take. 

Qj  Ah  !  wbere's  my  title,  right,  or  claim 

To  that  eternal  blifs? 
Ji.  In  Chrift  alone,  that  glorious  name, 

the  Lord  our  right eoufnefs. 


Part  VI. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Principles.  305 

O.   But  who  unfit  can  enter  there, 

Or  with  fuch  nafty  feet. 
A.   Chrifl:  by  his  blood  prefents  thee  fair, 

His  Spirit  makes  thee  meet. 

'  O.  But  mayn't  my  fpirit,  weak  as  grafs, 
Fail  ere  it  reach  the  length  ? 
A.  Jefus  the  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs 
Will  be  the  Lord  ihy  flrengtb. 

O.  Mayn't  helli(h  hofts,  and  wicked  foes, 

Sore  by  the  way  moleft  ? 
A.   Chrifl  is  a  friend  to  bridle  thofc, 

And  give  the  weary  reft. 

£X   Mayn't  guilty  conference  loudly  brand, 

And  all  my  comfort  chace  ? 
A.   Chrifl  with  a  pardon  in  his  Hand 

Can  (hew  his  fmiiing  face. 

£).   But  how  can  divine  mercy  vent, 

Where  fins  are  great  and  throng? 

A.  Chrift:  is  the  channel  with  defcent 
That  mercy  runs  along. 

Q.   But  may  not  juflice  interpofe, 

And  (land  in  mercy's  way  ? 
A.  Jefus  did  all  the  debt  thou  owes 

To  divine  juftice  pay, 

p.  Where  fyall  mine  eyes  the  pardon  fpy, 

Unto  my  faving  good  ?.. 
A.   In  Chri&'s  free  promife  fee  it  iie, 

In  his  atoning  blood. 

O.  What  ground  have  I  to  truft  and  fayt 

The  promife  is  not  vain  ? 
A.   In  Chrift  the  promifes  are  Tea 

In  him  they  are  Amen. 


306  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

Q.  But  where  is  Chrift  rnmfelf,  O  where 

With  promifes  io  fweet  ? 
A.  Cnriil's  in  the  promifes,  and  there 

Thy  faith  and  he  may  meet. 

Qj   Is  Chrift:  in  them,   and  they  in  Chrift  ? 

How  (hall  I  this  defcry  ? 
A.  His  blood  and  Spirit  therein  lift 

To  feal  and  to  apply. 

Qj    'Gair.ft  le^al  fiery  threats  of  wrath, 

Pray  what  defence  is  bell:  ? 
A.  Chrift's  full  obedience  ey'd  by  faith  ; 

There  fhould  the  guilty  reft. 

O.  But  how  (hM  faith  be  had  ?  Alas  I 

I  find  I  can't  believe. 
A.   Chrift  is  the  author  of  that  grace, 

And  faith  is  his  to  give. 

Q.  Ah  !  when  may  faithlefs  I  expect 

He'll  fuch  a  blifs  bequeath  ? 
A.  He  will  of  unbelief  convidr, 

And  pave  the  way  for  faith. 

Qj  Repent ancs  muft  attend,  but  whenc? 

Shall  I  this  grace  receive  \ 
A.   Chrift  is  exalted  as  a  prince 

All  needful  grace  to  give. 

Q.   How  can  fo  vile  a  lump  of  duft 

Heart-holinefs  expect  \ 
A.   Chrift  by  his  holy  Spirit  muft 

This  gradual  change  effect. 

Qj  How  {hall  I  do  the  works  aright, 

I'm  daily  bound  unto  ? 
A.  Chrift  in  thee,  by  his  Spirit's  mighty 

Works  both  to  <will  and  dai 


Chap.  I»  The  Believer's  Principles.  307 

Qj   How  (hall  my  maladies  be  heal'd, 

So  fore  molefting  me  ? 
A.   Chrift  is  the  great  Phyficfan  feal'd, 

The  Lord  thai  healetk  thee. 

Q.   By  prayer  I  ought  to  feek  his  face, 

This  courfe  how  (hall  I  drive  ? 
A.  'Tis  Chrift  alone    that  has  the  grace 

And  fp'rit  of  pray  V  to  give. 

Qj  St/vatwn+noerk  is  great  and  high, 

Alas !   what  thai)  I  do  ? 
A.   Chrift  as  the  Alpha  thereof  eye, 

And  the  Omega  too. 

Q.  What  pillar  then  is  mod  fecure 

To  build  my  hope  upon  ? 
A.   Chrift  only  the  foundation- furtt 

The  living  corner-flone. 

Qj   When  I'm  with  black  pollution  ftaiVd, 

How  fhall  I  cleanfed  be  ? 
A.  Chrift  is  a  fountain  for  that  end 

Set  open  wide  for  thee. 

Qj  What  fhall  I  do,  when  plagues  abound, 

With  forrows,   griefs,   and  fears? 
A-   Chrift  has  a  baljavi  for  thy  wounds, 
A  bottle  for  thy  tears. 

Q.   But  is  there  any  help  for  one 

That  utterly  is  loft  ? 
A.  Chrift  faves  from  fin,  and  he  alone, 

E'en  to  the  uttermoj}. 

O.   But  where  fhall  I  be  fafe  at  lad 

From  /;*//and  endlefs  death  ? 
A.   Chrift  is  a  refuge  from  the  blafl 

Of  everlaftins:  wratho 

9 


3Q3  Gospel    So  k  nets.         Part  VI, 

£).  But  mayn't  ev'n  nat'ral  death  to  me 

Become  a  dreadful  thing  ? 
A.  Chrift  by  his  death  in  love  to  thee 

Did  ev'ry  death  unfting. 

Qj  Why,  Sir,  is  Chrift  the  whole  you  fay  r 

No  anfwer  elfe  I  find. 
A.  Becaufe,  were  Chrift  our  all  away. 

There's  nothing  left  behind. 

Q^  How  can  he  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe, 

And  help  in  ev'ry  thrall  ? 
A.   Becaufe  he  is  the  Lord  of  grace2 

Jehovah  all  in  all. 

Q.  How  is  he  prefent  to  fupply, 

And  to  relieve  us  thus  ? 
A.   Becaufe  his  glorious  name  is  nigh;  * 

Immanuel,  God  with  us. 

Q^  Has  he  alone  ail  pow'r  to  fave, 

Is  nothing  left  to  man  I 
A.  Yea,  without  Chrift  we  nothing  have, 

Without  him  nothing  can. 

Q^  May?nt  fome  from  hence  take  latitude 
And  room  their  lufts  to  pleafe 
If  Chrift  do  all,  then  very  good, 
Let  us  take  carnal  eafer 

A.  Chrift  will  in  flaming  vengeance  corr.ea 
With  fury  in  his  face, 
To  damn  his  foes  that  dare  pre  fume, 
And  thus  abufe  his  grace. 


L 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer  i  Fruiclples.  309 

SECT.     IV. 

faith  and  works  both  excluded  from  the  matter  of  j uni- 
fication before  God,  that  redemption  may  appear  to 
be  only  in  Chrift. 

W  H  O  dare  an  holy  God  addrefs, 
With  an  unholy  righteoufnefs  ? 
Who  can  endure  his  awful  probe* 
Without  perfcdlion  for  their  robe? 

None  could  his  great  tribunal  face, 
Were  faith  ftfelf  their  faireft  drefs  : 
Faith  takes  the  robe,  but  never  brags 
Itfelf  has  ought  but  filthy  rags. 

Faith  claims  no  mare,  and  works  far  lefs, 
In  jtiftice-plealing  rightecufnefs  ; 
The  fervant  were  to  be  abhorr'd. 
Would  claim  the  g'ory  of  his  lord. 

Blafphemous  unbelief  may  claim 
The  praifes  of  the  worthy  Lamb  : 
But  faith  difclaiming  all  its  beft, 
Not  on  itfelf,  but  Chrift,  will  reft. 

I'm  fav'd  and  juftifyM  by  faith. 
Which  yet  no  favtng  value  hath  ; 
Nor  eVr  pretends  to  fave  from  thrall 
But  in  its  objeft  has  its  all. 

'Tie  Chrift  alone  faves  guilty  me, 

AnH  makes  my  right  to  life  fo  free, 

That  in  himfelf  it  (lands  alone  : 

Faith  takes  the  right,   but  gives  me  none, 

I  dare  not  kc*l  with  this  intent, 
For  afts  of  mine  to  draw  the  rent; 


, 


jro  Gospel  Sonnets,         Part  VI 

Nor  do  good  works  with  this  defign, 
To  win  the  crown  by  works  of  mine, 

I'd  thus  the  promis'd  grace  forfake, 
Nor  Jefus  for  my  Saviour  take  ; 
Yea,  thus  would  dreadfully  prefume, 
And  work  mine  own  eternal  doom. 

Prefumption  cannot  rife  more  high, 
I'd  make  the  truth  of  God  a  lie, 
The  God  of  truth  a  liar  top ; 
What  more  mifchief  could  Satan  do  ? 

Why  I'd  difcredit  God's  record 
Concerning  Jefus  Chrift  the  Lord, 
His  glorious  and  eternal  Son, 
Whofe  blood  has  life  eternal  won. 

In  him,  fays  God,  this  life  I  give, 
.    In  him  (hall  therefore  men  believe, 
My  gift  embracing  in  their  arms: 
None  fhall  fav'd  on  other  terms. 

Vain  man  muft  (loop  and  freely  take, 
Or  elfe  embrace  a  burning  lake: 
Proud  nature  muft  fubmit  to  grace. 
And  to  the  divine  righteoufnefs. 

In  vain  on  works  our  hope  is  built, 
Our  actions  nothing  are  but  guilt : 
The  beft  obedience  of  our  own 
Dare  not  appear  before  his  throne. 

What  finite  worm  can  bear  the  load, 
The  fury  of  an  angry  God  ? 
What  mortal  vigour  can  withftand 
The  vengeance  of  his  lifted  hand  ? 

The  law  can  never  fave  us  now, 
To  damn  is  all  that  it  can  do. 


Chap.  I.  The  Believer's  Principles* 

Heav'n  cafts  all  righteoufnefs  of  ours ; 
The  law  of  works  is  out  of  doors. 

No  merit,   money,    more  or  lefs, 
Can  buy  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs. 
O  may  I  take  what  heav'a  does  give ; 
Jehovah  help  me  to  believe; 

And  in  that  righteoufnefs  to  truft, 
Which  only  makes  a  finner  juft. 
And  then,  the  truth  of  faith  to  prove, 
Lord,  make  ray  faith  to  work  by  love. 


3" 


12 


Gospel    Sonnets. 


Part 


ft 

V  1, 


CHAP.     II. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 
the  Law  and  GofpcL 


PARTICULAXLY 


i.  The  My  fiery, 

2.  The  Difference, 

3.  The  Harmony,  and 

4.  The  Place  and  Station 


cf  Law  and  Gofpel. 


SEC  T;    I. 


The  m:v|l?Tv  of  law  and  *>/>*/• 

*  "Tp H O  IT G  H  law  commands  and gofpel-graoi 

Jj^      Agree  in  mutual  joint  embrace  a ; 
fee  law  and  go! pel  in  a  (hock 
Gan  never  draw  an  equal  yoke  i. 

The  law  of  works  the  law  of  grace, 
Can't  {land  together  in  one  place  j 

a  Rom,  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through1 
faith?  God  forbid  :  yea,  we  eftablifti  the  law.  Gal.  iii.  2?*- 
Is  the  law  then  againft  the  pTomifes  of  God?  God  forbid  :' 
for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which  could  have  given 
life,  verily  righteoufnefs  fhould  have  been  by  the  law. 

b  Pfalm  exxx.  3,  4.  If  thou,  Lord,  fhouldft  mark  ini- 
quities :  O  Lord,  who  fhall  ftand?  But  there  is  forgive- 
nefs  with  thee ;  that  thou  mayeit  be  feared-  ■».  7i  8.  Let 
ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord :  for  with  the  Lard  there  is  mercy, 
and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption.  And  he  fhall  re- 
deem Ifrael  from  all  his  Iniquities.  And  cxliii.  2.  O  Lord, 
enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  fervan'c  :  for  in  thy  fight 
fhall  no  man  living  be  juitified.  v.  8.  Caufe  me  to  hear 
thy  loving  kindnefs  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  i  trull  : 
caufe  me  know  the  way  whereia  I  fhould  ^  ./.:  for  I  lii'r 
tip  my  foul  unto  thee. 


. 


Chap.   II.        fhi  Believer's  Principles.  313 

The  brighter  fcene  deftroys  the  dark, 
As  Dagon  fell  before  the  ark  c. 

They  harmonize  like  marry d  pairs  d< 
Yet  are  at  odd's,  and  keep  not  fquares  e  1 
As  mercy  ftands  from  merit  far, 
The  letter  and  \\\z  fpirit  jar/. 

The  law  does  gofpel-comforts  harm, 
The  gofpel  breaks  the  legal  arm  g  ; 

c  Rom.  vi.  14,  15.  Sin  fhall  not  have  dominion  over 
you :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 
What  then  ?  fhall  we  fin,  becaufe  we  are  not  under  the 
law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid.  Chap.  vii.  4,  5,  6. 
Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alio  are  become  dead  to  the 
law  by  the  body  of  Chrift :  that  ye  mould  be  married  to 
another,  evefttohimwho  is  railed  from  the  dead,  that 
we  mould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.  For  when  we 
were  in  the  fleih,  the  motions  of  fins  which  were  by  the 
law,  did  work  in  our  members  to  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
death.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  be- 
ing dead  wherein  we  were  held;  that  we  fhould  ferve  in 
uewnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in  the  oldnefs  of  the  letter. 
2  Cor.  iii.  7, —  io.  But  if  the  miniftration  of  death  written 
and  engraven  in  ftones,  was  glorious,  fo  that  the  childien 
of  Ifrael  could  not  ftedfaftly  behold  the  face  of  Mofes,  for 
the  glory  of  his  countenance,  which  glory  was  to  be  done 
awav;  how  fliall  not  the  miniftration  of  the  Spirit,  be  ra- 
ther glorious  \  For  if  the  miniftration  of  condemnation  be 
glory,  much  more  doth  the  miniftration  of  righteoufnefs 
exceed  in  glory.  For  even  that  which  was  made  glorious, 
had  no  glory  in  this  refpeel.  by  reafon  of  the  glory  that  ex- 
celieth. 

d  Gal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore  the  law  was  our  fdiool-mafter 
to  bring  us  unto  Chrift, that  we  might  be  juftified  by  faith. 

e  Rom.  xi.  6.  And  if  [election  be]  by  grace,  then  is  it 
|no  more  of  works :  otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But 
if  it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more  grace  :  othe  rwiie  work 
Ks  no  more  work. 

/2Ccr.  iii.  6.  The  letter  killeth,  but  the  fpirit  give th 
life, 

v  Kcb.  ii.   15.  And  deliver  them  who  throurh  fear  of 

9  O 

R 


. 


314  Gospel  Sonnets.        Part  VI. 

Yet  both  exalt  each  other's  horn, 

And  garlands  bring  their  heads  tf  adorn  k. 

I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  it, 
To  legal  works  and  felf-conceit  / ; 
Yet,  lo  !  through  gofpel-graee  I  live. 
And  to  the  law  due  honour  give  k. 

The  law  great  room  for  boafting  makes, 
But  grace  my  pride  and  boafting  breaks  l\ 
Yet  all  my  boafts  the  law  does  kill  ///, 
And  grace  makes  room  to  boaft  my  fill  n. 

death  were  all  their  lifetime  fubj  eft  to  bondage.  Phil.  iii. 
7,  8,  9.  But  what  things  were  gain  tome,  thofe I  count- 
ed lofs  for  Chrift.  Yea,  doubtlefs,  and  I  count  all  things 
but  lofs,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chrift  Je- 
fus  my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have  fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things 
and  do  count  them  but  dung  that  I  may  win  Chrift,  and 
be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  which 
is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrift, 
the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  God  by  faith* 

h  Gal.  ii.   19.  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to  the 
law,  that  I  might  live  unto  God. 

i  Rom.  vii.  6.  But' now  we  are  delivered  from  the  law, 
that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held  \  that  we  mould 
ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in  the  oldnefs  of  the 
letter,  v.  9.  For  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once  :  but 
when  the  commandment  came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died. 
k  Rom.  vii.  4-  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  are  alfo  be- 
come dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrift;  that  ye  fhould' 
be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed  from  the 
dead,  that  we  ihould  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God.    And  x. 
4.  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs  to  every- 
one that  believeth. 

/  Rom.  iii.  27.  Where  is  boafting  then?  It  is  excluded. 
By  what  law  \  of  works  ?  Nay  ;  but  by  the  law  of  faith. 

m  Rom.  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foe vei 
t\ie  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  : 
that  every  mouth  may  be  (topped,  and  all  the  world  may- 
be come  guilty  before  Gcd. 

n  1  Cor.  1.   29,   30,  $1.  That  no  nefh  fhould  glory  in 
his  prefence.     B  :t  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jems,  who  of 


Chap.  II.         The  Believer's  Principles*  31  5 

The  gofpel  makes  me  keep  the  law  o, 
Yet  from  its  painful  fervice  draw  p  : 
It  does  all  law  demands  fulfil  q, 
Yet  makes  them  wholly  void  and  null  r. 

The  gofptl  gives  me  no  command  f, 
Yet  by  obeying  it  I  (land  j  ; 
Toftridt  obedience  though  it  call  /, 
Does  bind  to  none,  but  promife  all  u. 

God  is  made  unto  us  wifdom,  and  righteoufnef-,  and  fane- 
tification,  and  redemption  :  that,  according  as  it  is  writ- 
ten, He  that  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the  Lord. 

0  Titus  ii.    n,   12.  For  the  grace  of  God  that  brin- 
eth  falvation  hath  appeared  to  all  men  ;  teaching  us,  that 
denying  un^odlinefs,  and  worldlv  luits,  we   fhould   live 

*  o  o  7  *  7 

foberly,  righteoufly,  and  godly  in  this  prefent  world. 

p  Gal.  v.  1.  Stand  fait  therefore  in  the  liberty  where- 
with Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled  again 
with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

q  Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the  lav/  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  dtd^  fending  his 
own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  fmful  flefh,  and  for  fin  con- 
demned  fm  in  the  fie  Hi :  that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law 
might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but 
after  the  Spirit. 

r  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  mail  not  have  dominion  over  you  : 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Gal.  iv.  4, 
5.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was  come,  God  fent 
forth  his  Sen  made  of  a  woman,  made  under  the  law,  to 
redeem  them  that  were  under  the  lav/. 

/  Gal.  iii.  8.  And  the  fcripture  foxefecing  that  God 
would  juftify  the  Heathen  through  faith,  preached  before 
the  gofpel  unto  Abraham,,  faying,  In  thee  (hall  all  na- 
tions be  bleffed. 

s  Markxvi.  16-  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  mall 
be  faved. 

t  2ThefT.  i.  7,  8.  The  Lord  Jefus  fha!l  be  revealed 
from  heaven,  with  his  mightv  angels,  in  flaming  fire,  tak- 
ing vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey 
■ot  the  gofpel  of  our  Lord  [ems  Chrifr. 

u  John  iii.   17.  God  fent  not  hi,  Son   into  th#  world  to 


316  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI 

The  law  does  ftridl  commandment  give 
That  I  the  gofpel-news  believe  v\ 
But  yet  it  teaches  no  filch  thing, 
Nor  e'er  could  gofpel-tidings  brizg  <vj. 

When  I  the  gofpel-truth  believe, 
Obedience  to  the  iaw  I  give  x, 
And  when  I  don't  the  law  *  obferve, 
1  from  the  gofpel- method  fwervej'. 

Yet,  if  I  do  the  law  f  obey,   . 
I  am  not  in  the  gofpel-way  z ; 

condemn  the  world ;  but  that  the  world  through  him  might 
be  faved.  And  xii.  47.  And  if  any  man  hear  my  word 3 
and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not :  for  I  came  not  tojudge 
the  world,  but  to  fave  the  world.  Heb.  viii.  10,  11,  12. 
For  this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the  houfe 
of  Ifrael  after  thofe  days,  faith  the  Lord;  I  will  put  my 
laws  into  their  mind,  and  write  them  in  their  hearts  :  and  I 
will  be  to  them  a  God,  and  they  mail  be  to  me  a  people. 
And  they  mall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  e- 
very  man  his  brother,  faying,  Know  the  Lord :  for  all 
ihail  know  me  from  the  lean:  to  the  greateft.  For  I  will 
be  merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and 
their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. 

v  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believethon  him  is  not  con- 
demned :  but  he  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  alrea- 
dy,' becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only 
begotten  Son  of  God. 

■vj  Rom.  x.  5.  For  Mofes  defcriheth  the  righteoufnefs 
which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man  which  doth  thole  things 
fnall  live  by  them.  And  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what 
things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  un- 
der the  law:  that  every  mouth  may  be  topped,  and  ail 
the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God. 

x  John  iii.  18.  Pie  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not  con- 
demned. 

*  Viz.   As  it  is  a  rule. 

y  Titus  ii.  11,  12.  See  letter  o  forfeited. 

f  Viz.   As  it  is  a  covenant. 

z  Gal.  v.  3,  4.  For  I  teftify  again  to  every  man  that  ii 
circumcifed,  that  h?  is  a  d:btor  to  do  the  whoia  la 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Principles.  317 

Which  does  to  new  obedience  draw  ay 
Yet  is  the  gofpel  no  new  law  b. 

As  precepts  to  the  law  belong, 
Yet  in  the  gofpel-field  are  throng  c. 
Cun'd  ev'ry  gofpel- (lighter  is  d, 
Yet  all  its  office  is  to  blifs  e. 

Curift  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you,  whofoever  of  you 
are  juftificd  by  the  law  ;  ye  are  fallen  from  grace. 

a  Rom.  xvi.  25,  26. — The  myftery  which  was  kept  fe- 
cret  fince  the  world  began,— now  is  made  manifeft,  and 
by  the  fcriptures  of  the  prophets,  according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  everlafting  God,  made  known  to  all 
nations  for  the  obedience  of  faith. 

b  Gal.  iii.  21.  Is  the  law  then  againft  the  promifes  of 
God  \  God  forbid  :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given  which 
could  have  given  life,  verily  righteoufnefs  fhould  have 
been  by  the  law. 

c  Matth.  v.  17. — 48.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  de- 
ftroy  the  law  or  the  prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  deftroy, 
but  to  fulfil.  For  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and 
earth  pafs,  one  jot  or  one  title  fhall  in  no  wile  pafs  from 
the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled,  &:c.  Pfal.  cxix.  96.  I  have 
{een  an  end  of  all  perfection  j  but  thy  commandment  is 
exceeding  broad. 

d  Heb.  x.  26, — 29.  For  if  we  fin  wilfully  after  that  we 
have  received  the  knowledge   of  the  truth,    there  re- 
maireth  no  more  facrifice  for  fins,  but  a  certain  fearful 
looking  for   of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation,    which 
fhall  devour  the  adverfaries.      He  that  defpifed  Moles 
law,  died  without  mercy,   under  two  or  three  witneffes  : 
of  how  much  forer  punifhment,  fuppofe  ye,  fhall  he  be 
thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of 
God,  and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  where- 
with he  was  fanctined,  an  unholy  thing,  and  hath  done 
defpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace?    Chap.  xii.  25.  See  that 
ye  refufe  not  him  that  fpeaketh  :  for  if  they  efcaped  not 
who  refufed  him  that  lpake  on  earth,  much  more  fhall 
not  we  efcape,  if  we  turn  away  from  him  that  fpeaketh 
from  heaven. 

e  Rom.   xv.  29.  And  I  am  Aire  that  when  I  come  unto 
you,  I  fnall  come  in  the  fulnefs  of  the  blefling  of  the  gof* 


-;i8 


Gospel  Sonnets. 


Part  VI. 


It  from  the  law  has  pcw'r  to  kill  f, 
Yet  fav'uig  does  its  pcw'r  fulfil  g  % 
No  favour  but  of  life  it  luth  k, 
Yet  moll  the  favour  is  of  death  ;'. 

Weaknefs  perfection  doth  exclude, 
The  law  is  perfect,  juft,  and  good  k : 
Yet  can  it  nothing  ptrfett  make, 
Bet  all  the  comer*  to  it  break  /. 


pel  of  Chrift.  A&s  in.  26.  Unto  you  firir,  God  having; 
raifed  up  his  Son  Jefus,  lent  him  to  blefi  you,  in  turning 
awa;  every  one  of  you  from  his  iniquities. 

/  John  iii.  18. — Ke  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned 
sfready,  becaufe  be  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the 
only  begotten  Son  of  God.  Markxvi.  16. — He  that  believ- 
eth not,  mail  be  damned.  Heb.  ii.  3.  How  mall  we  efcape, 
if  we  neglect  fo  great  falvation  ? 

g  Eph.  i.  13.  InChriitye  alfo  trufled  after  that  ye 
heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  goipel  of  your  falvation. 

1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  laying,  and  worthy  of  all 
acceptation,  thatChrilt,  Jems  came  into  the  world  to  favc 
iinners ;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

/;  Phil.  ii.   16.     Holding  forth  the  word  of  life,  Sec. 

2  Tim.  i.  I.  Paul  an  apoftle  of  Jefus  Chrift,  by  the  will  of 
God  according  to  the  promife  of  life,  which  is  in  Chrift 
jefus.  -v.  10. — Our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift — hath  abolifhed 
death,  and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light 
through  the  gofpel. 

/  2  Cor.  ii.  16.  To  the  one  we  are  the  favour  of  death 
vmto  death,  See. 

ft  Pfal.  cxix.  96.  I  have  feen  an  end  of  all  perfection  ; 
but  dry  commandment  is  exceeding  broad.  Rom.  vii.  i2. 
V.'lieie fore  the  law  is  holy;  and  the  comandment  holy, 
and  juil,  and  good.  Heb.  vii.  19.  For  the  law  made 
nothing  perfect,  but  the  bringing  in  of  a  better  hope  did; 
by  the  which  wc  draw  nigh  unto  God. 

I  Heb.  \  iii.  19.  See  letter  V.  Chap.  x.  1.  For  the  law 
bavins  a  fhadew  of  rood  things  to  come,  and  not  the  ve- 
rv  image  of  the  things,  can  never  with  thofe  lacrinces 
which  they  orfered  year  by  year  continually,  make  the 
comers  thereunto  rerfeet. 


Chap.  II.         The  Believer's  Principles.  3 1 9 

Strength  to  the  gofpel  does  belong, 
Mighty  through  God  it  is,  and  ftrong  tn  z 
It  to  the  law  does  ftrength  emit, 
Yet  'tis  the  law  gives  itrength  to  it. 

The  gofpel  gives  the  law,  I  fee, 
Sufficient  ftrength  to  juftify  n\ 
Yet  may  I  fay,  in  truth  it  is 
The  law  that  gives  the  gofpel  this  e : 

For  as  the  law  no  finner  clears, 
But  who  the  gofpel-garment  wears : 
So  none  are  juftified  by  grace, 
Unlefs  the  law-demands  have  place  p. 

m  Rom.  i.  16.  For  I  am  not  afhamed  of  the  gofpel  of 
Chrift :  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to  eve- 
ry one  that  believeth,  to  the  Jew  firft,  and  alfo  to  the 
Greek.  2  Cor.  x.  4,  5.  For  the  weapons  of  our  warfare 
are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling 
down  of  ftrong  holds  :  cafting  down  imaginations  and  e- 
vciy  high  thing  that  exalteth  itfelf  againft  the  knowledge 
of  God,  and  bringing  into  captivity  every  thought  to  the 
obedience  of  Chrift. 

n  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after 
the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit,  v.  3,  4.  For  what  the 
law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefii, 
God  did,  fending  his  own  Son,  in  thelikenefs  of  finful  flefh, 
and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the  flefh  :  that  the  righteouf- 
nefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  af- 
ter the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 

0  Rom.  iii.  3 1 .  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith  ?  God  forbid  :  yea,  we  eftablifh  the  law.  Chap.  x. 
4.  For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs  to  e- 
very  one  that  believeth. 

p  Rom.  iii.  19, — 22.  Now  we  know  that  what  things 
foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the 
law  ;  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world 
may  become  guilcy  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds 
of  the  law,  there  fhall  be  no  flefh  be  juftified  in  his  fight : 
for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  f  :i.  Eut  now  the  righte- 


S20  Gospel    Sonnets.        Part  VI. 

Again  the  law,  which  yet  Teems  worfe, 
Gives  go(pel-news  condemning  force  q  ; 
Yet  they  are  news  that  never  can, 
Nor  neyer  will  condemn  a  man  r. 

Dread  threat'nings  to  the  law  pertain  s, 
Not  to  the  gofpel's  golden  chain  /  : 
Yet  all  law-threats  and  Sinai's  ire 
To  gofpel -grace  are  wails  of  fire  u. 

The  righteous  law  aflbileth  none 
Of  Adam's  guilty  race,  fave  one  v. 

oufnefs  of  Gcd  without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  wit- 
nelTed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets;  even  the  righteouf- 
nefs  of  God  which  is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chriftunto  all,  and 
upon  all  them  that  believe;  for  there  is  no  difference. 
Chap.  v.  19. — By  the  obedience  of  one  mall  many  be  made 
righteous,  v.  21.— -Grace  reigns  through  righteouihsfs 
unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

q  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not  con- 
demned :  but  he  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  alrea- 
dy, becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only 
begotten  Son  of  God. 

r  Luke  ii-  10,  11.  And  the  angel  faid  unto  them  [the 
fhepherds]  Fear  not :  for  behold,  I  bring  you  good  tid- 
ings of  great  joy,  which  (hall  be  to  all  people.  For  untp 
you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David,  a  Saviour,  which 
is  Chrili:  the  Lord.  John  iii.  1 7.  For  God  fent  not  his  Son 
into  the  world  to  condemn  the  world  ;  but  that  the  world 
through  him  might  be  faved.  Chap.  xii.  47.  And  if  any 
man  hear  my  words,  and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not : 
for  I  came  not  to  judge  the  world,  but  to  fave  the  world. 

s  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the 
law,  are  under  the  curfe :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  e- 
very  one  that  continue th  not  in  all  things  which  are  writ- 
ten in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

t  Acts  xiii.  26.  Men  and  brethren,  children  of  the  flock 
of  Abraham,  and  whofoever  among  you  feareth  God,  to 
yau  is  the  word  of  this  falvation  fent. 

u  Mark  xvi.  16.— He  that  believeth  not  fhall  be  damn- 
ed. Heb.  ii.  3.  How  fhall  we  efcape,  if  we  neglect  fo 
r;reat  falvation?    Chap.  x.  26,-29.  Sse  httcr  d.forccit:d. 


Chip.  II.  The  Believer's  Principles,  $2* 

Who  being  cnilty,  for  this  caufe 

By  God's  juft  law  condemned  was  <iu. 

Yet  free  of  guilt  it  did  him  fee  ; 
Hence  fully  clear'd,   and  fet  him  free  ,y. 
Yet,   had  not  guilt  his  foul  involved, 
By  law  he  could  not  been  abfolv'd  /. 

But  he  withal  condemn 'd  and  fpoiFd 
The  law  of  works,   which  him  aflbil'd  z: 

v  Horn.  v.  19.  For  ai  by  one  man's  oifobedience  ma^ 
tiy  were  madefmners  :  To  by  the  obedience  of  one  (hall  ma- 
ny be  made  righteous.  J^hn  xvii.  4.  I  have  glorified  thee 
on  earth  :  I  have  finiifoed  the  work  which  thou  gaveft  me 
to  do. 

w  Ifa.  liii.  6.  The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity 
of  us  all.  Gal.  iii.  1 3.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curie  for  us :  for  it  is  writ- 
ten. Cur  fed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

a  Ileb.  vii.  26.  For  fuch  an  high  prieft  became  us,  who, 
is  holy,  harmlefs,  undented,  feparate  from  finners,  and 
made  higher  than  the  heavens.  Dan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weeks 
are  determined  upon  thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city, 
tofinifh  the  tranfgreffion,  and  to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and 
to  make  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  ever* 
lading  righteoufnefs,  and  to  Peal  up  the  viiion  and  prophe- 
cy, and  to  anoint  the  moft  holy.  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  And 
without  controversy,  great  is  the  myftery  of  gcdlinefs  : 
God  was  manifefl  in  the  flefh,  juftrfied  in  the  Spirit,  feen 
oi  angels,  preached  unto  the  Gentile-,  believed  on  in  the 
world,  received  up  into  glorv.  Rom.  ii.  13.  For  not  the 
hearers  of  the  'aw  are  juft  before  God,  but  the  doers  of  the 
law  fhallbe  juftlfied.  Ifa.  1.  8.  He  is  near  that  juft ifieth 
me,  who  will  contend  with  me?  let  us  ftand  together  : 
who  is  mine  adversary  ?  let  him  come  near  to  me. 

y  2  Cor.  v.  21.  God  hath  made  Chrift  to  be  fin  for  us, 
who  knew  no  fin  ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteouf- 
nefs  of  God  in  him.  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift  hath  once  fuf- 
fered  for  fins,  the  juft  for  the  unjuft,  (that  he  might  bring 
us  to  God)  being  put  to  death  in  the  nefh,  but  quickened 
by  the  Spirit. 

z  Col.  ii.   14,  15.     Blotting  out  the  handwriting  of 

R  2 


:  oi 


*22  Gospel  Sonnets.  Fart  VI. 

And  now  the  law  is  (in  thefe  views) 
The  marrow  of  the  gofpel-news  a. 

The  law  can  jnftify  no  man 
That  is  a  (tuner  b,  yet  it  can 
Thus  favour  finful  men,  and  free 
The  chief  of  finners,  ouiltv  roe  c. 

The  gofpel  too  acquitteth  none 
That  have  not  put  perfection  on  d. 

ordinances  that  was  againft  us,  which  was  contrary  to  us, 
and  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  his  crofs :  and 
having  fpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  fhew 
of  them  openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it.  Rom.  viii. 
3-  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  flefh,  Gcd  did,  lending  his  own  Son  in  the 
likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the 
flefc. 

a  Rom.  x.  4.  For  Omit  is  the  end  of  the  law  for  righte- 
oufnefs, to  every  one  that  believeth.  Ifa.  xlv.  24.  Sure- 
ly, mall  one  fay.  In  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and 
ftrength.  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah  mall  be  faved^ 
and  lirael  ihali  dwell  fafelv;  and  this  is  jjis  name  where- 
by he  mall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR  -RIGHTEOUS- 
NESS. 

b  Rom.  iii.  19,  20.  Nov/  we  know  that  what  things 
'oever  the  law  faith,  it  fsith  to  them  who  are  under  the 
law  ;  that  every  mouth  may  be  {topped,  and  all  the  world 
may  become  guilty  before  God.  Therefore  by  the  deeds 
of  the  law  there  ihall  no  flefh  be  juftified  in  his  fight  :  for 
bv  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin. 

c  The  lav*  of  11  orks  as  fulfilled  by  Cbr/fy  ca?i  and  docs  fc, 
Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was 
weak  through  the  flefh,  God  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the 
likenefs  of  finful  fie ih,  and  for  fin  condemned  fm  in  the 
flefh  :  that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  lav/  might  be  fulfilled  in 
ns,  who  walk  not  after  the  fern,  but  after  the  Spirit,  v. 
33*  34-  Who  mall  lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  e- 
lect  i  It  is  God  that  juftifieth  ;  who  is  he  that  coudemneth? 
It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who 
is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  alfo  maketh  inter- 
ne flion  for  us. 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer* s  Principles.  323 

/\nd  yet  it  clearcth  none  (I  grant) 
But  thole  who  all  perfection  want  <?. 

Thofe  that  with  gofpel-clearance  meet, 
Muft  by  the  law  be  found  complete  / : 
Yet  never  could  (again  I  grant) 
The  gofpel  juftii'y  a  faint  g. 

All  perfect  perfons  it  contronis  k% 
And  judifies  ungodly  fouls  i  \ 

d  Rom.  iil-  21,  22.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of  G®d 
without  the  lav  is  manifefted,  being  witnefTcd  by  the  law 
and  the  prophets  ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which  is 
by  faith  of  Jems  Chriit  unto,  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
believe,    for  there  is  no  difference. 

c  Rom.  iv.  5.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  butbelicveth 
on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted 
for  righteoulnefs. 

/  1  Cor.  i.  30.  Eat  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrifr.  Jems,  who 
of  God  is  made  unto  us  v\  ifdom,  and  righteoufnefs,  and 
fanctification,  and  redemption.  Col.  ii.  10.  And  ye  are 
complete  ir.  him,  which  is  the  head  of  all  principality  and 
power. 

g  Matth.  i*.  1  j — I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous, 
but  finners  to  repentance.     Rom.  iii.   10.  There  is  none 
righteous,  no  not  one.     Chap.  ix.    33,31,32.  What  mail 
we  fay  then?  That  the  Gentiles  which  followed  not  after 
righteoufnefs,  have  attained  to   righteoufnefs,  even  the 
righteoufnefs  iwhich  is  of  faith.-  but  Ifrael,  which  follow- 
ed after  the  law  of  righteoufnefs,  hath  not  attained  to  the 
law  of  righteoufnefs.     Wherefore,  becaufe  they  fought  it 
uot  by  faith,  but  a?  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law.    Chap, 
x.   3.  Ifrael   being  ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and 
going  about    to  eftabiilh    their  own   righteoufnefs,  have 
not  fubmitted  themfelves  unto  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 
1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all 
acceptation,  that  Chriit.  Jefus  came  into  the  world  to  fave 
finners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

h  Matth.  xxi.  31.  Jefus  faith  unto  them  [the  Phari- 
fees],  Verily  I  fay  unto  yon,  that  the  publicans  and  the 
harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you.  Luke 
x.viii.  Oj — if.  And  Jefus  fpake  this  parable  unto  certain 


324  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  Vi\ 

Yet  (till  no  man  its  grace  partakes 
But  whom  it  trnly  godly  makes  L 

which  trufted  in  themfehes  that  they  were  righteous,  and 
defpifed  others  :  Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to 
pray;  the  one  a  Pharifee,  and  the  other  a  publican.  The 
Jpharifee  ftood  and  prayed  thus-  with  himfelf,  God,  I 
thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  ether  men  are,  extortion- 
ers, unjufl,  adulterers,- or  even  a's  this  publican.  I  fall 
twice  in  the  week,  I  gjvte  tithe:,  of  all  that  IpofTefs.  And 
the  publican  {landing;  afar  off,  would  not  lift  up  fo  much' 
as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but  fmote  upon  his  hreaft,  fa 
ing,  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  firmer.-  I  tell  you  this  man 
went  down  to  bis  houfe  j unified  rather  than  the  other  - 
for  every  one  that  exaiteth  himfelf,  mall  be  abafed  :  and 
he  that  humbleth  himfelf,  fh9.ll  be  exalted,  v.  2r,  22, 
And  he  [the  ruler]  faid,  All  thefe  have  I  kept  from  my 
youth  up.  Nov/  w hen  je Ju s  hea'd  thefe  things,  he  faid 
unto  him,  Yet  lacked  thou  one  thing:  fell  all  that  thou 
haft,  and  diftrihute  unto  the  poor,  and  thou  ilialt  have 
treafure  in  heaven,  and-corne,  follow  me. 

/  Rom.  iv.  5,  6.  To  him  chat  worketh  not,  but  be- 
lle veth  on  him  that  juftifiet-b  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  -righteoufnefs.  Even  a?  Davie  alfo  describe  th 
the  bleitednefs  of  the  man  ttxrto  whom  God  imputeth 
righteoufnefs  without  works.    •••        -    * 

k  Titus  ii.  11, — 1;4-  The  grace  of  God  that  bringeth 
falvation,  hath  appeared  to  all  me') ;  teaching  us,  that 
denying  ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  lufts,  we  fhould  live 
jbberly,  rigktepufly,  and  godJ.V  in  (his  piefent  world; 
locking  for  that  ble'fed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearii  e 
of  the  great  God  and  oar  Saviour  Jefis  Ghriifc:  who 
gave  himfelf  for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all  in- 
iquity, and  purify  unto  himfeif  a  peculiar  people,  reg- 
ions of  good  works.  Chap.  iii.  4,  5.  .After  that  tne 
kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour  toward  man  appear- 
ed, not  by  works  of  righteoufr.els,  which  we  have  done, 
but  according  to  his  mercy  he  faved  us,  by  the  waihine; 
cf  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghoft.  f.  8. 
This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  the  re  things  I  will  that  thou 
affirm  conftantly,  that  they  which  have  believed  in  God, 
might  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works  :  thefe  thin 
are  good  and  profitable  unto  men. 


CLap.  II.  The  Believer's  i:  .'tiiciples,  32 J 

The  hw  withflands  the  gofpel  pa(h  /, 
Wliich  yet  its  approbation  hath  m  ; 
The  goipel  thwarts  the  legal  way  rr, 
Yet  will  approve  the  law  tor  ay  0, 

Hence  though  the  gofpefs  comely  frame 
Doth  openly  the  law  condemn  f  : 

I  1  Cor.  xv.  56  — The  ftrength  of  fin  is  the  law.  Rom. 
vi.  14.  Sin  fball  not  have  dominion  over  you  :  for  ye  are 
rot  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Chap.  x.  3-  Iirae^ 
being  ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and  going  abc  ut 
to  eftablifh  their  own  righte'oufnefs,  have  not  fubmitted 
themfelves  unto  the  rigbteoufnefs  of  God. 

tn  Ifa.  xlii.   21.   The  Loid  is  well  pleafed  for  his  righ- 

teoufnefs  fake,  he  will  mafnftfy  the  law  and  make  it  hon- 

1  rable.     Matth.  iii.    17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven, 

faying, This  is  my  beloved  Sop,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleafec. 

n  Rom.  ix.  31,  32,  33.  But  I .rael,  which  followed  af- 
ter the  law  of  lighteoufi-e  >,  hath  not  attained  to  the  law 
of  righteou're.'G.     Wherefore  ?    Becp.uie'  they  fought  it 

Jt  by  faith,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of  the  law  : 
for  they  ftumbled  at  that  ftumbling-ftone  ;  as  it  is  writ- 
ten, Behold,  I  lay  in  Zion  a  ftumbling-ftone,  and  rock 
of  offence  ;  and  v.-hofcever  believeth  on  him  ftiall  not  bt 
afhamed.    • 

0  Rom.  vii.  7.  What  fhail  we  fay  then?  Is  the  law 
fin?  God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  fn  but  by  the 
law :  for  I  had  not  known  iuil,  except  the  law  had  'aid, 
Trou  fbalt  not  covet,  v.  10.  And  the  commandment 
which  was  ordained  to  life,  I  found  to  be  unto  death. 
v.  12.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy,  and  the  command- 
ment holy,  andjufr.    and  good. 

p  Rom.  v.  5,-9-  For  Mofes  defcribetb  the  righteouf- 
nefs  which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man  which  doth  thofe 
thing*,  fh a  11  live  by  tLem.  But  the  righteoufr.efs  which 
is  of  faith  fpeaketh  on  this  wife,  Say  not  in  thine  heart, 
Who  fhall  afeend  into  heaven?  (tkat  is,  to  bring  Chrift 
down  from  above)  :  or,  Who  (hall  defcend  into  the  deep  \ 
(that  is,  to  bring  up  Chriit  again  from  the  dead).  But 
what  faith  it  ?  The  word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth, 
and  in  thy  heart;  that  is  the  word  of  faith  which  we 
preach,  That  if  thou  fhalt  cor.fefs  with  thy  mouth  the 


326  Gospel  Sonnets.         Fart  VI. 

Yet  they  are  blind,  who  never  faw 
The  gofpel  jultify  the  law  q. 

Thus  gofpel-grace  and  law -commands, 
Both  bind  and  loofe  each  other's  hands : 
They  can't  agree  on  any  terms  r, 
Yet  hug  each  other  in  their  arms  f. 

Thofe  that  divide  them  cannot  be 
The  friends  of  truth  and  verity  /  ; 


Lord  Jefus,  and  malt  believe  in  thine  heart,  that  God 
hath  raifed  him  from  the  dead,  thou  malt  be  laved. 

q  Rom.  ri.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law  through 
faith  2   God  forbid  :  yea,  we  eftablifh  the  law. 

r  Gal.  iv.  21, — 26.    Teil  me,  ye  that  deiire  to  be  un- 
der the  lav/,  do  ye  not  hear  the  law  ?  For  it  is  written, 
that  Abraham  had  two  fons;   the  one  by  a  bond-maid,  the 
Other  by  a  free  woman.    But  he  who  was  of  the  bond-wo- 
man was  born  after  the  flefh  ;  but  he  of  the  free -woman 
was  by  prornife.    Which  things  are  an  allegory  ;  for  thofe 
are   the  two  covenants ;   the  one  from  the  mount  Sinai, 
which  gondereth  to  bondage,  which  is  Agar.     For  this 
Agar  is  mount  Sinai  in  Arabia,  and  anfwereth  to  Jerusa- 
lem which  now  is,  and  is  in  bondage  with  her  children. 
But  Jerufaleui  which  is  above  is  free,  which  is  the  mo- 
ther of  us  all. 

/  Pfal.  Ixxxiv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together  : 
righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kilfed  each  other. 

s  Matth!   xiii.   23.  Wo   unto  you,  Scribes  and  Phari- 
fees,  hypocrites ;    for  ye   pay  tithe  of  mint,  and  anife, 
and  cummin,  and  have  emitted  the  weightier  matters 
of  the  law,  judgment,  mercy,  and  faith  :    thele   ought 
ye   to   have  done;,    and  not  to   leave  the  other  undone. 
Rom.  ii.  23.    Thou  that  makefr.  thy  boaft  of  the  law, 
through    breaking  the  law   difnonoareit.  thou   God?     r. 
25,   26.  For  circumcifion  verily  profiteth,  if  thcu  keep 
the  law;  but  if  thou  be  a  breaker  of  the  law,  thy  circum- 
cifion is  made  uncircumciiion. '   Therefore,  if  the  uncir- 
cumcifion  keep  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law,  mall  not  his 
pa  circumcifion  be  counted  for  circumcif on?  Matth.  xix. 
6.  What  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  amn- 
io r.     Chap.  iii.   15.  And  Jefus  an.fweringj  laid  unto  him 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Principles.  327 

Yet  thofe  that  dare  confound  the  two, 
Deftroys  them  both,  and  gender  wo  /. 

This  paradox  none  can  decipher, 
That  plow  not  with  the  gofpei-heifer. 

(John),  Suffer  it  to  be  fo  now  :  for  thus  it  becometh  us  t«. 
fulfil  all  righteoufnefs.  Then  he  fuffered  him.  Chap.  v.  17. 
Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  deftroy  the  law  or  the  pro- 
phets :  I  am  not  come  to  deftroy,  but  to  fulfil,   v.  19,  20. 
"Whofoever  therefore  fhall  break  one  ofthefe  leaft  com- 
mandments, und  ihall  teach  men  fo,  he  fhall  be  called  the 
1c  aft  in   the  kingdom  of  heaven:  but  whofoever  fhall  do, 
and  teach  them,  the  lame  fhall  be  called  great  in  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.     For  I  fay  unto  you,  That  except  your 
righteoufnefs  fhall  exceed  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  Scribes 
and  Pharifees,   ye  fhall  in  no  cafe  enter  into   the   kingdom 
of  heaven.     1  John  v.  6.  This  is   he  that  came  by  water 
and  blood,  even  Jefus  Chrift  ;  not  by  water  only,  but  by 
water  and  blood  :  and  it  is  the  Spirit  that  bearetli  witneir, 
becaufe  the  Spirit  is  truth. 

t  Gal.  i.  6,   7,  8.  I  marvel  that  ye  are  fo  foon  remov- 
ed from  him  that  called  you  into  the  grace  cf  Chrift,  unto 
another  gofpel  :  which  is  not  another ;  but  there  be  fome 
that  trouble  you,  and  which  pervert  the  gofpel  of  Chrift. 
But  though   we,  or  an  angel  from  heaven  preach  any  o- 
ther  gofpel  unto  you,  than   that  which  we  have    preached 
unto  vou,  let  him  be  accurfed.      Zenh.  i.  4. — I  will  cut 
off — i'.   5. — them   that  wo-fhip,   and   that  fwear   by  the 
Lord,  and  that  fwear  by  Makham.  Atfts  xv.  7.  And  when 
there  had  been  much  difputing,   Peter  rofe  up  and  faid  un- 
to them,   Men  and  brethren,   ye  know  how  that  a  good 
while  ago,   God  made  choice  among  us,  that  the  Gentiles 
bv  my  mouth  mould  hear  the  word  of  the  gofpel  and   be- 
lieve- V,    io,    11.  Nov/   therefore   why  tempt   ye  God  to 
put  a  yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  difciples,  which  neither 
our  fathers  nor  we  were  able  to  bear  ?  But  we   believe, 
that  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  we  fhall 
befavedeven  as  they.    Gal.  v.   1.  Stand  faft  therefore  in 
the   liberty  wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be 
not  entangled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage,  v.  4-  Chrift 
is  become  of  no  effeft  unto  you,  whofoever  of  you  are  juf- 
■lifisd  by  the  ^w ;  ye  are  fallen -from,  grace. 


32S  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

SECT.     II. 

The  Difference  betwixt  the  lav  and  the  gofpcL 

THE  law,  fuppofing  I  have  all, 
Does  ever  for  perfection  call: 
The  gofpel  fuits  my  total  want, 
And  all  the  law  can  feek  does  grant. 

The  law  could  promife  life  to  me, 
}£  my  obedience  perfect  be  : 
But  grace  does  promife  life  upon 
My  Lord's  obedience  alone. 

The  law  fays,  Dof  and  life  you'ii  win : 
But  grace  fays,  Live,   for  all  is  dor.e  ; 
The  former  cannot  eafe  my  grief, 
The  latter  yields  me  full  relief. 

By  law  convine'd  of  finfnl  breach, 
By  gofcel-grace  I  comfort  reach  : 
The  one  mv  condemnation  bears, 
The  other  jnftifies  and  clears. 

The  law  (hews  my  arrears  are  great, 
The  gofpel  freely  pays  my  debt  : 
The  flrft  does  me  the  bankrupt  curfe, 
The  tart  does  blefs  and  fill  my  purfe. 

The  Jaw  will  not  abate  a  mite, 

The  gofpel  all  the  fum  will  quit  : 

There  God  in  threat'nings  is  array'd,  % 

But  here  in  prcmifes  difplay'd. 

The  law  and  gofpel  difigree, 
Like  Hagar,  Sarah,  bond  and  free  : 
The  former's  Hagar's  fervitude, 
The  latter's  Sarah's  happy  brood. 


Chap.  II.         The  Believer's  Primplfs.  329 

To  Sinai  black,  and  Zion  fair, 
The  word  does  law  and  grace  compare. 
Their  enrfing  and  their  bleffing  vie 
With  Ebal  and  Gerizzim  high. 

The  law  excludes  not  boafting  vain, 
But  rather  feeds  it  to  my  bane : 
Bin  gofpel-grace  allows  no  boafts, 
Save  in  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hofts. 

The  law  ftill  irritates  my  fin, 
And  hardens  my  proud  heart  therein; 
But  grace's  melting  pow'r  renews, 
And  my  corruption  ftrong  fubdues. 

«    The  law  with  thunder,  Sinai-like, 
Does  always  dread  and  terror  fpeak: 
The  gofpel  makes  a  joyful  noife, 
And  charms  me  with  a  ftill,  calm  voice. 

The  legal  trumpet  war  proclaims, 
In  wrathful  threats,  and  fire,  and  (lames; 
The  gofpel-pipe,   a  peaceful  found, 
Which  fpreads  a  kindly  breath  around. 

The  law  is  weak  through  fiqful  fleffi, 
The  gofpel  brings  recruits  afrefh : 
The  firft  a  killing  letter  wears, 
The  laft  a  quick'ning  fpirit  bears. 

The  law  that  feeks  perfection's  height, 
Yet  gives  no  firength,  nor  offers  might : 
Bur  precious  gofpel- tidings  glad, 
Declare  where  all  is  to  had. 

From  me  alone  the  law  does  crave, 
What  grace  affirms  in  Chrift  I  have: 
When  therefore  law-puriuits  inthral, 
J  fend  Lhe  law  to  grace  fov  all. 


330  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

The  law  brings  terrors  to  moled, 
The  gofpel  gives  the  weary  reft : 
The  one  does  flags  of  death  difplay, 
The  other  fhews  the  living  way. 

The  law  by  Mofes  was  expreft, 
The  glorious  gofpel  came  by  Chrift  : 
The  firft  dim  nature's  light  may  trace, 
The  laft  is  only  known  by  grace. 

The  law  may  roufe  me  from  my  floth, 
To^faith  and  to  repentance  both : 
And  though  the  law  commandeth  each. 
Yet  neither  of  them  can  it  teach; 

Nor  will  accept  for  current  coin 
The  duties  which  it  does  injoin; 
It  feeks  all,  but  accepts  no  lefs 
Then  conftant,  perfect  righteoufnefs* 

The  gofpel,  on  the  other  hand, 
Although  it  iffue  no  command, 
But  ftridly  view'd,  does  whole  ccnfiii 
In  prornifes  and  offers  bleft  : 

Yet  does  it  many  duties  teach, 
With  legal  light  could  never  reach  ; 
Thus  faith,  repentance,  and  the  like, 
Are  fire  that  gofpel-engines  ftrike. 

They  have  acceptance  here  through  grace^ 
The  law  affords  them  no  fuch  place  : 
Yet  ft  ill  they  come  through  both  their  ban  61 
Through  gofpel-teaching,  law-commands. 

The  law's  a  houfe  of  bondage  fore, 
The  gofpel  opes  the  prifon-door  : 
The  firft  me  bamper'd  in  its  net, 
The  laft  at  freedom  kindly  fet. 


Chap.  IT.  The  Believer's  Principles.  3;* 

The  precept  craves,  the  gofpel  gives ; 
While  that  mc  prefTes,  this  relieves; 
And  or  affords  the  ftrength  I  lack, 
Or  takes  the  burden  of  my  back. 

The  law  requires  on  pain  of  death; 
The  gofpel  courts  with  loving  breath  : 
While  that  conveys  a  deadly  wound  ; 
This  makes  me  perfect,  whole,  and  found* 

There  viewing  how  difeas'd  I  am, 
1  here  perceive  the  healing  balm  : 
Afflicted  there  with  fenfe  of  need, 
But  here  refrefh'd  with  meet  remede. 

The  law's  a  charge  for  what  I  owe ; 
The  gofpel  my  di {charge  to  (how  : 
The  one  a  fcene  of  fears  doth  ope ; 
The  other  is  the  door  of  hope. 

An  angry  God  the  law  reveal'd  ; 
The  gofpel  lhews  him  reconcil'd  : 
By  that  I  know  he  was  difpleas'd. 
By  this  I  fee  his  wrath  appeas'd. 

The  law  thus  (hews  the  divine  ire, 
And  nothing  but  confuming;  fire. 
The  gofpel  brings  the  olive-branch, 
And  blood  the  burning  fire  to  quench. 

The  law  ftill  (hews  a  fiery  face  ; 
The  gofpel  (hews  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
There  juftice  rides  alone  in  date  ; 
But  here  (he  takes  the  meicy-feat. 

In    SUM. 

Lo  !  in  the  law  Jehovah  dwells, 

But  Jelus  is  concealM  ! 
Whereas  the  gofpel's  nothing  elfe 

But  JefusChrift  reveal'd. 


332  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

SECT.     III. 

The  Harmony  betwixt  the  hw  and  the  gofpel* 

THE  law's  a  tutor  much  in  vogue. 
To  gofpel  grace  a  pedagogue  ; 
The  gofpel  to  the  law  no  lefs 
Than  its  full  end  for  righteoufnefs. 

When  once  the  fiery  law  of  God 
Has  chas'd  me  to  the  gofpel  road  ; 
Then  back  unto  the  holy  law 
Moft  kindly  gofpel-grace  will  draw. 

When  by  the  law  to  grace  I'm  fchool'd, 
Grace  by  the  law  will  have  me  rul'd? 
Hence,  if  I  don't  the  law  obey, 
I  cannot  keep  the  gofpel- way. 

When  I  the  gofpel -news  believe, 
Obedience  to  the  law  1  give  : 
And  that  in  both  it's  fed'ral  drefs, 
And  as  a  rule  of  holinefs. 

Lo!  in  my  Head  I  render  all 
For  which  the  fiery  law  can  call : 
His  blood  unto  its  fire  was  fuel, 
His  Spirit  (hapes  me  to  its  rule. 

When  law  and  gofpel  kindly  meet, 
To  ferve  each  other  both  unite  : 
Sweet  prornifes,   and  ftern  commands, 
Do  work  to  one  another's  hands. 

The  divine  law  demands  no  lefs 
Than  human  perfect  righteoufnefs : 
The  gofpel  gives  it  this  and  more, 
Ev'n  divine  righteoufnefs  in  (lore. 

Whate'er  the  righteous  law  require, 
The  gofpel  grants  its  whole  defire. 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Principles. 

Are  law-commands  exceeding  broad  ? 
So  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 

How  great  foe'er  the  legal  charge, 
The  gofpel-payment's  equal  large  : 
No  lei's  by  man  the  law  can  bray 
When  grace  provides  a  God  to  pay. 

The  law  makes  gofpel-banqnets  fweet; 
The  gofpel  makes  the  law  complete : 
Law-funs  to  grace's  ftore-houfe  draw  ; 
Grace  decks  and  magnifies  the  law. 

Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  combine, 
To  make  each  other's  luftre  fhine : 
The  gofpel  all  law-breaker's  {names ; 
The  law  all  gofpel-flighters  damns. 

The  law  is  holy,  juft,  and  good  ; 
All  this  the  gofpel  feals  with  blood, 
And  clears  the  royal  law's  juft  dues 
With  dearly  purchas'd  revenues. 

The  law  commands  me  to  believe  ; 
The  gofpel  faving  faith  does  give  : 
The  law  injoins  me  to  repent  : 
The  gofpel  gives  my  tears  a  venr. 

What  in  the  gofpel-mint  is  coin'd, 
The  fame  is  in  the  law  injoin'd  : 
Whatever  gofpeftidings  teach, 
The  law's  authority  doth  reach. 

Here  join  the  law  and  gofpel  hands, 
What  this  me  teaches  that  commands : 
What  virtuous  forms  the  gofpel  pleafe, 
The  fame  the  law  doth  autborife. 

And  thus  the  law-commandment  feal* 
Whatever  gofpel- grace  reveals : 


333 


. 


334  Gospel  Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

The  gofpel  alfo  for  my  good 

Seals  all  the  law-demands  with  blood. 

The  law  mod  perfect  dill  remains* 
And  ev'ry  duty  full  contains : 
The  gofpel  its  perfection  fpeaks, 
And  therefore  gives  whate'er  it  feeks. 

Next,  what  by  law  I'm  bound  unto, 
The  fame  the  gofpel  makes  me  do : 
What  preceptively  that  can  crave  ; 
This  effectively  can  ingrave. 

All  that  by  precepts  Heav'n  expects, 
Free  grace  by  promifes  effects : 
To  what  the  law  by  fear  may  move, 
To  that  the  gofpel  leads  by  love. 

To  run  to  work,  the  law  commands  ; 
The  gofpel  gives  me  feet  and  hands: 
The  one  requires  that  I  obey  ; 
The  other  does  the  paw'r  convey. 

What  in  the  law  has  duty's  place, 
The  gofpel  changes  tma  grace  : 
Hence  leo-al  duties  therein  nam'd, 
Are  herein  gofpel-graces  fam'd. 

The  precept  checks  me  when  I  ftray  ; 
The  promife  holds  me  in  the  way : 
That  (hews  my  folly  when  I  roam  ; 
And  this  mod  kindly  brings  me  home. 

Law-threats  and  precepts  both,   I  fee, 
With  gofpel-promifes  agree  ; 
They  to  the  gofpel  are  a  fence, 
And  to  it  them  a  maintenance. 

The  law  will  juftify  all  thofe 
Who  with  the  gofpel -r  a  nfom  clofe  ; 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Principles.  33$ 

The  gofpel  too  approves  for  ay 
All  thofe  that  do  the  law  obey. 

The  righteous  law  condemns  each  man 
That  dare  reject  the  gofpel- plan  ; 
The  holy  gofpel  none  will  fave, 
On  whom  ir  won't  the  law  engrave. 

When  Chrift  the  tree  of  life  I  climb, 
I  fee  both  law  and  grace  in  him  : 
In  him  the  law  its  end  does  gain  ; 
In  him  the  promife  is  Amen. 

The  law  makes  grace's  pafture  fweer, 
Grace  makes  the  law  my  fav'ry  meat ; 
Yea,  fweeter  than  the  honey- comb, 
When  grace  and  mercy  brings  it  home. 

The  precepts  of  the  law  me  ihow 
What  fruits  of  gratitude  I  owe  ; 
But  gofpel-grace  begets  the  brood, 
And  moves  me  to  the  gratitude. 

Law-terrors  probe  the  putrid  fore ; 
And  gofpel-grace  applies  the  cure  : 
The  one  plows  up  the  fallow  ground  j 
The  other  lows  the  feed  around. 

A  riofid  m after  was  the  law, 
Demanding  brick,  denying  ftraw  ; 
But  when  with  gofpei  tongue  it  fingf, 
It  bids  me  fly,  and  gives  me  wings. 

In    S  U  M. 

Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  unite, 

Are  feen  with  more  folace, 
Where  truth  and  mercy  kindly  meet, 

In  fair  Immanuel's  face. 


336  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

SECT.     IV. 

The  proper  Place  and  Station  of  the  law  and  the  gofpeL 

Note,  That  in  the  four  following  Paragraphs ,  as  well  as  in 
the  three  preceding  Sections,  by  Law,  {/  moftly  under- 
flood  the  doctrine  of  the  Covenant  of  Works ;  and  by 
Gofpel,  the  dccJri?::  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace. 

Paragraph  I. 

The  Place  and  Station  of  law  and  gofpel  in  general. 

WHEN  we  the  facred  record  view, 
Or  divine  Teft'ments  Old  and  New  ; 
The  matter  in  mcft  pages  fix'd 
Is  law  and  gofpel  intermix'd. 

Yet  few,  ev'n  in  a  learned  age, 
Can  fo  refolve  the  facred  page, 
As  to  difcern  with  equal  eye, 
Where  law,  where  gofpel  fever'd  lie. 

One  divine  text  with  double  claufe 
May  fpeak  the  gofpel's  voice  and  law's  *  ; 
Hence  men  to  blend  them  both  are  apt, 
Should  in  one  fentence  both  be  wrapt. 

*  Ex-  gr.  Lev.  xx.  7,  8.  Sanctify  yourfelves  therefore, 
and  be  ye  holy  :  for  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  {hall 
keep  my  flatutes,  and  do  them :  I  am  the  Lord  which 
fanclify  you.  1  John  iv.  7.  Beloved,  let  us  love  one  ano- 
ther: for  love  is  of  God;  and  every  one  that  loveth,  is 
born  of  God,  and  knoweth  God.  R.om.  v.  21.  Tlir.t  as 
fin  hath  reigned  unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign 
through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefivs  Chrift 
our  Lord.  Chap.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  death  ; 
but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jems  Chriit 
our  Lord.  Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  And  he  laid  unto  them,  Go 
ye  into  all  the  wo-rld  and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every  crei- 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Principles. 

]3ut  that  we  may  the  truth  purfue, 
And  give  both  law  and  grace  their  due, 
And  God  the  glory  there  difplay'd ; 
The  following  rules  will  give  us  aid  : 

Where-e'er  in  facred  writ  we  fee 
A  word  of  grace  or  promife  free, 
With  bleflings  dropt  for  Jems'  fake  ; 
We  theie  fur  gofpel  news  may  take. 

But  where  a  precept  ftrict  we  find 
With  promife  to  our  doing  join'd, 
Or  threat 'nirgs  witk  a  wrathful  frown  ; 
This  as  the  law  we  juft!y  own. 


337 


Paragraph  II. 

The  Place  and  Station  of  law  -and  gofpel  in  particular 
Where  the  difference  is  noted  betwixt  the  gofpel  large 
ly  viewed  in  its  difpenfation,  and  ftriJtly  in  itself :  a::ci 
betwixt  the  gofpel,  and  faith  receiving  it. 

WOULDST  thou  diltinaiy  know  the  found 
Of  law  and  inace,  then  don't  confound, 
The  difpenfation  with  the  grace  ; 
For  theie  two  have  a  diftmci  plies'. 

The  £ofpel  thus  difpens'd  we  fee, 
•  Believe  and  thou  fhalt  laved  be  ; 
i  If  nor,   thou  fhalt  be  damn'd  to  he!!/ 
Arid  in  eternal  torments  dweli. 

Here  precepts  in  it  ate  difpens'd, 
With  threat'niugs  of  damnation  fenced  , 


[turc.     He  that  belie veth  and  is  baptized,  mall  be  faveri  \ 
put  he  that  beiieveth  not,  fhall  be  damned.  .  John  iii.  i£ 
IFIe  that  beliovcth  on  him,  is  not  condemned  :  but  he  tlau 
nelieveth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaule  he  hath  not 
I'ilisved  en  the  name  cf  the  only  be^otUa  Son  of  Cod;  &  C  - 


33&  Gospel   Sonnets.         P«*rt  VI. 

The  legal  fanclion  here  takes  place, 
That  none  may  dare  abufe  free  grace. 

Yet  nor  does  that  command  of  faith, 
Nor  this  tremendous  threat  of  wrath, 
Belong  to  gofpel  ftrictly  fo; 
But  to  its  difpenfation  do. 

The  method  of  difpenfing  here, 
Does  law  and  gofpel  jointly  bear: 
Becaufe  the  law's  fubfervient 
Unto  the  gofpel's  bleiVd  intent. 

Precepts  and  threat'nings  both  make  way, 
The  gofpel  bleflings  to  convey  ; 
Which  differs  much  (though  thus  difpens'd) 
From  laws  and  threats  whereby  'tis  fene'd. 

*  Believe,  and  thou  fhalt  faved  be/ 
2s  gofpel,  but  improperly  ; 
Yet  fafely  men  may  call  it  thus, 
Becaufe  'tis  fo  difpens'd  to  us. 

But  fure  the  gofpel-news  we  fing, 
Muft  be  fome  other  glorious  thing, 
Than  precepts  to  believe  the  fame, 
Whatever  way  we  blend  their  name. 

The  gofpel-rreaiure's  fomething  more 
Than  means  that  do  apply  the  itore : 
Believing  is  the  method  pav'd, 
The  gofpel  is  the  thing  belie  y  d. 

The  precious  thing  is  tidings  lweet 
Of  Chrift  a  Saviour  moft  complete, 
To  fave  from  Cm,  and  death,  and  wrath  j 
Which  tidings  tend  to  gender  faith. 

4  Faith  comes  by  hearing'  God's  record 
Concerning  Tefus  Chriit  the  Lord, 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer's  Principles:  339 

And  is  the  method  Heav'n  has  bleft 
For  bringing  to  the  gofpel-reft. 

The  joyful  found  is  news  of  grace, 

And  life  to  Adam's  guilty  race, 

Through  Jefus'  righteoufnefs  divine, 

Which  bright  €  from  faith  to  faith'  does  (hine. 

The  promife  of  immortal  blifs 
Is  made  to  this  full  righteoufnefs : 
By  this  our  right  to  life  is  bought  ; 
Faith  begs  the  right,  but  buys  it  not. 

True  faith  receives  the  offer'd  good, 
And  promife  feal'd  with  precious  blood  : 
It  gives  no  title  to  the  blifs, 
But  takes  th'  intitling  righteoufnefs. 

This  object  great  of  faving  faith, 
And  this  alone  the  promife  hath ; 
For  'tis  not  made  to  faith's  poor  atl, 
But  is  the  prize  that  faith  does  take : 

And  only  as  it  takes  the  fame, 

It  bears  a  great  and  famous  name  ; 

For  fclf,  and  all  its  grandeur,  dqwn 

It  throws,  that  Chrift  may  wear  the  ctowe. 

But  if  new  laws  and  threats  were  all 
That  gofpel  properly  we  call, 
Then  were  the  precept  to  believe, 
No  better  news  than  do  and  live. 

If  then  we  won't  diftinguifh  here, 
We  cloud,  but  don't  the  gofpel  clear ; 
We  blend  it  with  the  fiery  law, 
And  all  into  confufion  draw. 

The  law  of  works  we  introduce, 
As  if  old  merit  were  in  ufe, 


F" 

340  Gospel    Sonnets.         Pift-'-VL 

When  man  could  life  by  doing  won, 

Ev'n  though  the  work  by  grace  were  done. 

Old  Adam  in  his  innocence 
Deriv'd  his  pow'r  of  doing  hence  : 
As  all  he  conld  was  wholly  due  ; 
So  all  the  working  ftrength,  he  knew, 

Was  only  from  the  grace  of  God, 
Who  with  fuch  favour  did  him  load  • 
Yet  was  the  promife  to  his  act, 
That  he  might  merit  by  compacl. 

}  No  merit  but  of  paction  could 

Of  men  or  angels  e'er  be  told  ; 


The  God-man  onlv  was  fo  hi  eh 
To  merit  by  condignity. 

Were  Life  now  projnis'd  to  cur  ac"c, 
Or  to  our  works  by  paction  tack'd  ; 
Though  God  fhould  his  affiltarice  grant, 
'Tis  dill  a  doing-  covenant. 

Though  Heav'n  its  helping  grace  fliould  yield, 

Yet  merit's  ftili  upon  the  field  ; 

We  cad  the  name,   yet  (till  ?iis  found 

Difclaita'd  but  with  a  verbal  found. 

t 

If  on*  fliotiW  borrow  tools  from  yen. 
That  he  fbme  fanions  work  might  do*. 
When  once  his  work  is  well  prepar'd, 
He  fure  defer  ves  his  one  reward  ; 

Yea,  juftly  may  he  claim  his  due, 
Although  he  borrow'd  tools  from  you  : 
Even  thus  the  borrow'd  ftrength  of  gr3ce 
Can't  hinder  merit  to  take  place. 

From  whence  foe'er  we  borrow  powVs, 
If  life  depend  on  works  of  ours ; 


hap.  II.  The  Believer's  Principles.  341 

Or  if  we  make  the  gofpel  thus 
In  any  fort  depend  on  us; 

We  give  the  law  the  gofpel-place, 
Rewards  of  debt  the  room  of  grace; 
We  mix  HeavVs  treafures  with  our  trafli, 
And  magnify  corrupted  flefh  : 

The  new  and  gofpel  covenant 
No  promife  to  our  works  will  grant; 
But  to  the  doing  of  our  Head, 
And  in  him  to  each  gofpel-deed. 

To  godlinefs,  which  is  great  gain, 
Promife  is  faid  to  appertain  : 
But  know,  led  you  the  gofpel  mar, 
In  whom  it  is  we  godly  are. 

To  him  and  to  his  righteoufnefs 
Still  primar'ly  the  promife  is ; 
And  not  ev'n  to  the  gracious  deed, 
Save  in  and  through  the  glorious  Head. 

Pray  let  us  here  obferve  the  odds, 
How  law  and  grace  take  counter  roads, 
The  law  of  wotks  no  promife  fpake 
Unto  the  apent.  but  the  acl. 

It  primar'ly  no  promife  made 
Unto  the  per  [on  >  but  the  deed  : 
Whatever  the  doing  perfon  fhar'd, 
7Twas  for  his  dttd  he  had  reward. 

The  law  of  grace  o'erturns  the  fcale, 
And  makes  the  quite  reverfe  prevail ; 
Its  promife  lights  Hot  on  the  deed, 
But  on  the  doing  pcrfon's  head  ; 

Not  for  his  doing,  but  for  this, 
Becaufe  in  Chrift  his  perfon  is : 

s  7 


342  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VL 

Which  union  to  the  living  Prince, 
His  living  work?  and  deeds  evince. 

Good  fruits  have  promife  in  this  view., 
As  union  to  the  Branch  thev  fhew  : 
To  whom  the  promife s  pertain, 
In  him  a\)yea,  and  all  ame?u 

Obferve,  pray  ;  for  if  here  we  err, 
And  do  not  Chrift  alone  prefer, 
But  think  the  promife  partly  flands 
On  our  obeying  new  commands  ; 

Th'  old  cov'nant-place  to  works  we  gitoe. 
Or  mingle  grace  with  do  and  live  ; 
We  overcloud  the  gofpel- charms, 
And  alfo  break  our  working  arms. 

More  honour  to  the  law  profef^ 
But  giving  more  we  give  it  leis. 
Its  heavy  yoke  in  vain  we  draw, 
By  turning  gofpel  into  law. 

We  rob  grace  of  its  joyful  four.d, 
And  bury  Chrifc  in  Mofcs'  ground  s 
At  bed  we  run  a  legal  race 
Upon  the  field  of  gofpci-grace. 

Paragraph     III. 

» 

The  gofpel  no  new  Law,  but  a  joyful  foiled  of  Grace  quid 
Mercy. 

LAW-Precepts  in  a  gofpel -mould, 
We  may  as  gofpel  doctrine  hold  ; 
But  gofpel-calls  in  legal  drefs, 
The  joyful  found  of  grace  fupprefs. 

Faith  and  repentance  may  he  taught, 
And  yet  no  gofpel- ridings  brought  ; 


Chap.  H.  7 he  Belt ver's  Principles.  343 

If  as  mere  duties  thefe  we  prefs, 
And  nor  as  parts  of  promis'd  bliis. 

If  only  precepts  we  prefent, 
Though  urg'd  with  ftrongeft  argument, 
We  leave  the  wak'ned  Tinner's  hepe 
In  darknefs  of  defpair  to  grope. 

The  man  whom  legal  precepts  chafe, 
As  yet  eftrang'd  to  fov'reign  grace, 
IVliftaking  evangelic  charms, 
As  if  they  ilcod  on  legal  terms, 

Looks  to  himfelf,   though  dead  in  fin, 
For  grounds  of  faith  and  hope  within  ; 
Hence  fears  and  fetters  grow  and  fuel), 
Since  nought's  within  but  fin  and  hell. 

1 

But  faith  that  looks  to  promis'd  grace. 
Clean  out  of  felf  the  foul  will  chafe, 
To  Chrift  for  righteoufuefs  and  ftrength, 
And  finds  the  joyful  reft  at  length. 

Proud  flefh  and  blood  will  ftartle  here, 
And  hardly  iuch  report  can  bear, 
That  Heav'n  all  laving  (lore  will  give 
To  them  that  Kvcrk  not,  but  believe. 

Yet  c  not  of  work?/  but  'tis  the  race 
'  Of  faith,    that  it  may  be  of  grace  :* 
For  faith  does  nothing  but  aoree 
To  welcome  this  (alvatio.n  free. 

"   Come  do<ix)?i9  'Zaccbeus,  quickly  come, 
"  Salvation's  brought  unto  thv  home  : 
"  In  vain  thou  climb'ft  the  legal  tree; 
i(  Salvation  freely  comes  to  thee. 

"e  Thou  dream'ft  of  coming  up  to  terms, 
(i  Come  down  into  my  laving  arms  -, 


344  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  VI. 


iC 


Down,  down,  and  get  a  pardon  free, 
u  On  terms  already  wrought  by  me, 

"  Behold  the  bleffings  of  my  blood, 
u  Bought  for  thy  everlafting  good, 
l(  And  freely  all  to  be  convey'd 
tC  Upon  the  price  already  paid. 

Ci  I  know  thou  haft  no  good,  and  fee 
(t  I  cannot  Hand  on  terms  with  thee, 
<c  Whofe  fall  has  left  thee  nonpht  to  claim, 
<c  Nor  aught  to  boaft  but  fin  and  mame." 

The  law  of  heavy  hard  commands 
Confirms  the  wak'ned  finner's  bands  •, 
But  grace  proclaims  relieving  news, 
And  fcenes  of  matchlefs  mercy  mews. 

No  precept  clogs  the  gofpel-call, 
But  wherein  grace  is  all  in  all  ; 
No  law  is  here  but  that  of  grace, 
Which  brings  relief  in  ev'rv  cafe. 

The  gofpel  is  rhe  promife  fair 
Of  grace  all  ruins  to  repair, 
And  leaves  no  finner  room  to  fay, 
c<  Alas!  this  debt  I  cannot  pay; 

<c  This  grievous  yoke  I  cannot  bear, 
<e  This  high  demand  1  cannot  clear. ': 
Grace  flops  the  mouth  of  fuch  complaints, 
And  (lore  of  full  fupply  prefents. 

The  pjorious  gofpel  is  (in  brief) 
A  fov'reign  word  of  fweet  relief; 
Not  clogg'd  with  cumberfome  commands, 
To  bind  the  foul's  receiving  hands. 

'Tis  joyful  news  of  fov'reign  grace, 

That  reigns  in  (late  through  righteoufnefs, 


Chap.  II.  The  Believer 'j  Principle!,  345 

To  ranrom  from  all  threat'ning  woes, 
And  anfwcr  all  commanding  do% s  : 

This  gofpel  comes  with  help  indeed, 
Adapted  unto  Tinner's  need  : 
Thefe  joyful  news  that  fuit  their  cafe, 
Are  chariots  of  his  drawing  grace  : 

'Tis  here  the  Spirit  pow'rful  rides, 
The  fountains  of  the  deep  divides  : 
The  King  of  glory's  fplendour  (hews, 
And  wins  the  heart  with  welcome  news. 

Paragraph    IV. 

The  gofpel  farther   defcribed,    as  a   Bundle  of  good 
News  and  gracious  Promifes. 

T  II  E  firfl  grand  promife  forth  did  break 
In  threats  r.gainft  the  tempting  fnake  ; 
So  may  the  gofpel  in  commands, 
Yet  nor  in  threats  nor  precepts  ftands : 

But  'tis  a  doctrine  of  free  grants 
To  Tinners  that  they  may  be  faints: 
A  joyful  found  of  royal  gifts, 
To  obviate  unbelieving  fhifts  : 

A  promife  of  divine  fup^Iies, 
To  work  all  gracious  qualities 
In  thole  who  proneft  to  rebel, 
Are  only  qualify 'd  for  hell. 

Courting  vile  Tinner*,  ev'n  the  chief, 
It  leaves  no  cloak  for  unbelief: 
But  ev'n  on  grofs  Manaffebs  calk, 
On  Miry  Magdalens  and  Sauls. 

'Tis  good  news  of  a  fountain  ope 
For  fin  and  filth  ;   a  door  of  hope 


346  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

For  thofe  that  lie  in  blood  and  gore, 
And  of  a  falve  for  ev'ry  fore. 

Glad  news  of  fight  unto  the  blind  ; 
Of  light  unto  the  dark'ned  mind  ; 
Of  healing  to  the  deadly  fick  ; 
And  mercy  both  to  Jew  and  Greek. 

Good  news  of  gold  to  poor  that  lack; 
Of  raiment  to  the  naked  back  ; 
Of  binding  to  the  wounds  that  fmart  ; 
And  reft  unto  the  weary  heart. 

Glad  newTs  of  freedom  to  the  bound  j 
Of  ftore  all  loffes  to  refound  ; 
Of  endlefs  life  unto  the  dead  ; 
And  prefent  help  in  time  of  need. 

Good  news  of  heav'n,  where  angels  dwell, 
To  thofe  that  well  deferved  hell  ; 
Of  ftrength  to  weak  for  work  and  war, 
And  acceis  near  to  thofe  afar. 

Glad  news  of  joy  to  thofe  that  weep, 
And  tender  care  of  cripple  flieep ; 
Of  fhelter  to  the  foul  purfu'd, 
And  cleanfing  to  the  hellifb-hu'd  : 

Of  floods  to  fap  the  parched  ground, 
And  ftreams  to  run  the  defert  round ; 
Of  ranfom  to  the  captive  caught, 
And  harbour  to  the  foundering  yacht ; 

Of  timely  aid  to  weary  groans  ; 
Of  joy  reftor'd  to  broken  bones  ; 
Of  grace  divine  to  gracelefs  preys, 
And  glory  to  the  vile  and  bafe: 

Of  living  water  pure,  that  teerns 
On  fainting  fouls  refrefhing  dreams  ; 


hap.  II.  The  Believer  s  Principles.  347 

Of  gen'rous  wine  to  chear  the  ftrong, 
And  milk  to  feed  the  tender  young  : 

Of  faving  faith  to  faithlefs  ones; 

Of  foftening  grace  to  flinty  (tones ; 

Of  pardon  to  a  guilty  crew, 

And  mercy  free,  where  wrath  was  due. 

Good  news  of  welcome  kind  to  all, 
That  come  to  Jefus  at  his  call ; 
Yea,  news  of  drawing  pow'r,  when  fcant^ 
To  thofe  that  fain  would  come,  and  can't* 

Glad  news  of  rich  myfterious  grace, 
And  mercy  meeting  ev'ry  cafe ; 
Of  ftore  immenfe  all  voids  to  fill, 
And  free  to  whofoever  will : 

Of  Chrift  exalted  as  a  Prince, 
Pardons  to  give  and  penitence; 
Of  grace  o'ercoming  ilubborn  wills, 
And  leaping  over  Dether  hills. 

'  Faith  comes  by  hearing*  thefe  reports  ; 
Straight  to  the  court  of  grace  reforts, 
And  free  of  mercenary  thought, 
Gets  royal  bounty  all  for  nought. 

Faith's  wing  within  the  clammy  fea 
Of  legal  merit  cannot  fly  ; 
But  mounting  mercy's  air  apace, 
Soars  in  the  element  cf  grace. 

But  as  free  love  the  blefling  gives 
To  '  him  that  works  not,  bun  believes  i 
So  faith,  once  reaching  its  defire, 
'  rhs  hard  bj  love,  but  not  for  hire, 


348  Gospel    Sonnets.         Pi  at  VI. 


CHAP.     III. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 
Juftificaiion  and  Sanclijication^  their 
Difference  and  Hannonv, 

S  E  C  T.    I. 

The  Difference  between  j unification  and  fantfificatio?: ; 
or  righteoufnefs  imputed  and  grace  imparted  ;  in  up- 
wards of  thirty  particulars  J 


=- 


I  N  D  Jtfus  fpent  his  life  to  fpin 
My  robe  of  perfect  righteoufnefs; 
But  by  his  Spirit's  work  within 
He  forms  my  gracious  holy  drefs. 

He  as  a  Pried  me  juftifies, 

His  blood  does  roaring  confeience  dill  \ 
But  as  a  King  he  fan&ifics, 

And  fubjugates  my  itubborn  will. 

He  juftifyiug  by  his  merit, 

Imputes  to  me  his  righteoufnefs ; 

But  juftifying  by  Lis  Spirit, 
Infufes  in  me  faving  grace. 

My  juftifyir-g  righteoufnefs 

Can  merit  by  condignity  ; 
But  nothing  with  my  ftrongeft  grace 

Can  be  deferv'd  by  naughty  me. 

*  Note,  That  (metri  caufa)  Juitification  is  hare  forne- 
times  exprelfed  bv  the  words  imputed  grace,  juftifyiug 
grace,  righteoufnefs,  &c. :  Sanetification  bv  the  names, 
imparted  grs.ee,  grace,  graces,  holinefs ,  fanQit%%  &c.  v.  hick 
the  judkiuus  will  eaiily  nixie  rftartd. 


hap.   III.        The  Believer's  Principles.  349 

This  juuVifying  favour  fets 

The  guilt  of  all  my  lin  remote  ; 
But  fan&ifying  grace  deletes 

The  filth  and  blacknefs  of  its  blot. 

By  virtue  of  this  righteoufnefs 

Sin  can't  condemn  nor  juftly  brand  i 

By  virtue  of  infufed  grace 
Anon  it  ceafes  to  command. 

The  righteoufnefs  which  I  enjoy, 

Sin's  damning  pow'r  will  wholly  ftay ; 

And  grace  imparted  will  deftroy 
Its  ruling  domlneeriwg  fway. 

The  former  is  my  Judge's  acl: 

Of  condonation  full  and  free  : 
The  latter  his  commenced  fa  ft, 

And  gradual  work  advane'd  in  me. 

The  former's  inftantaneou?, 

The  moment  that  I  firft  believe  ; 

The  latter  is,   as  Keav'n  allows, 
Progreffive  while  on  earth  I  live. 

The  firft  will  peace  to  confeience  give, 
The  lad  the  filthy  heart  will  clear,  fe  : 

The  firft  effects  a  relative, 

The  laft  a  real  inward  change. 

The  former  pardons  every  fin, 

And  counts  me  righteous,  free,   andjuft; 
The  latter  quickens  grace  within, 

And  mortifies  mv  fin  and  loft. 

Imputed  gruce  intiiles  me 

Unto  etrrnal  happinefs ; 
Imparted  grace  will  qualify 

That  hcav'nly  kingdom  to  puffed 

T 


350  Gospel   Sonnets. 

My  righteoufnefs  is  infinite, 
Both  fubjeclively  and  in  kind; 

My  holinefs  moft  incomplete, 
And  daily  wavers  like  the  wind. 

So  lafting  is  my  outer  drefs, 
It  never  wears  nor  waxes  old  ; 

My  inner  garb  of  grace  decays 

And  fades,  if  Heav'n  do  not  uphold* 

My  righteoufnefs  and  pardon  is 

At  once  moft  perfect  and  complete  ; 

But  fan&ity  admits  degrees, 
Does  vary,  fluctuate  and  fleet. 

Hence  fix'd,  my  righteoufnefs  divine 
No  real  change  can  undergo  ; 

But  all  my  graces  wax  and  wane, 
By  various  turnings  ebb  and  flow. 

I'm  by  the  firft  as  righteous  now, 
As  e'er  hereafter  I  can  be; 

The  laft  will  to  perfection  grow, 
Heav'n  only  is  the  full  degree. 

The  firft  is  equal,  wholly  giVn, 
And  ftill  the  fame  in  evVy  faint  : 

The  laft  unequal  and  unev'n, 

While  fome  enjoy  what  others  want; 

My  righteoufnefs  divine  is  frefli, 
For  ever  pure  and  heav'nly  both  ; 

My  fanclity  is  partly  flefri, 

And  juitly  term'd  a  rnenuVrous  cloth. 

My  righteoufnefs  I  magnify, 
'Tis  my  triumphant  lofty  flag  ; 

But  pois'd  with  this,  my  fanctity 
Is  nothing  but  a  filthy  rag. 


Part  VI. 


Chap.   111.        7 he    Believer's   Principles. 

I  glory  in  my  righteoufnefs, 

And  loud  extol  it  ivita  my  tongue; 

But  all  my  g^ace,  compar'd  with  this, 
I  under  rate  as  loisand  dung. 

By  juftifying  grace  I'm  apt 

Of  divine  iavjur  free  to  boafl  ; 

By  holin^fs  I'm  partly  fhap'd 
Into  his. image  I  had  loll. 

The  firft:  to  divine  jultice  pays 

A  rent  to  dill  the  furious  ilorm  y 

The  laft  to  divine  holinefs 

Inftru&s  me  duly  to  conform. 

The  firft  does  quench  the  fiery  law, 

its  rigid  cov'nant  fully  (lay  ; 
The  Ialt  its  rule  embroider'd  draw, 

To  deck  my  heart,  and  gild  my  way. 

The  fubjecl:  of  my  righteoufnefs 

Is  Chrift  himfelf  my  glorious  Head  •, 

But  I  the  fubjecl;  am  of  grace, 
As  he  fupplies  my  daily  need. 

The  matter  of  the  former  too 

Is  only  Chrift's  obedience  dear  ; 

But  lo,   his  helping  me  to  do 

Is  all  the  work  and  matter  here. 

I  on  my  righteoufnefs  rely 

For  Heave's  acceptance  free,   and  \\\a  ; 
But,   in  this  matter  irmft  deny 

My  grace,    ev'n  as  1  do  my  fin. 

Though  all  my  graces  precious  are, 

Yea?  perfect  alfo  in  defire  ; 
They  cannot  (land  before  the  bar 

Where  awful  juftice  is  umpire  : 


/ 


35* 


Gospel   Sonnets. 


Part  VL 


But,  In  the  robe  that  Chrift  did  fpin, 
Tbey  arc  of  great  and  high  requeft  ; 

They  have  acceptance  wrapt  within 
My  elder  Brother's  bloody  veil. 

My  righteoufnefs  proclaims  me  great, 
And  fair  ev'n  in  the  fight  of  God  ; 

But  fanftity's  my  main  ofF-fet 
Before  the  gazing  world  abroad. 

More  juftify'd  I  cannot  be 

By  all  my  mofb  religious  afts  ; 

But  thefe  increafe  my  fanctity, 
That's  ftill  attended  with  defers. 

My  righteoufnefs  the  fafeft  ark 

'Midft  ev'ry  threatening  flood  will  be  ; 

My  graces  but  a  leaking  bark 
Upon  a  flormy  raging  fea. 

I  fee  in  juflifying  grace 

God's  love  to  me  does  ardent  burn  ; 
But  by  imparted  holinefs 

I  grateful  love  for  love  return. 

My  righteoufnefs  is  that  which  draws 
Mv  thankful  heart  to  this  refoe&: 

The  former  then  is  flrd:  the  caufe, 
The  latter  is  the  fweet  efreft. 

Chrift  is,  in  juflifying  me, 

By  name,  Th 
Bur,  as  be  comes  to  fanclify, 

The  Lord  my  (trength  and  help  he  is. 

In  that  I  have  the  patient's  place, 
For  there  Jehovah's  acl  is  all : 

But  in  the  other  I'm  through  grace 
An  a^ent  working  at  his  call. 


Lord  my  righteoufnefs; 


Chap.  IF!.         The  Believer  s  Principles.  $53 

The  fir £1:  does  flavifh  fear  forbid, 

For  there  his  wrath  revenging  ends  ; 

The  lad  commands  my  filial  dread, 
For  here  paternal  ire  attends. 

The  former  dees  annul  my  wo, 

By  God's  judicial  fentence  pad  ; 
The  latter  makes  my  graces  grow, 

Faith,  love,  repentance,  and  the  reft. 

The  firfl:  does  divine  pard'ning  love 

Mod  freely  manifelt  to  me  ; 
The  lad  makes  fhining  graces  prove 

Mine  int'reft  in  the  pardon  free. 

My  foul  in  juflifying  grace 

Does  full  and  free  acceptance  gain  ; 

In  fanftity  I  Heavenward  prefs, 
By  fweet  affiftance  I  obtain. 

The  firft  declares  I'm  free  of  debt, 

And  nothing  left  for  me  to  pay  ; 
The  laft  makes  me  a  debtor  yer, 

But  helps  to  pay  it  ev'ry  day. 

My  righteoufnefs  with  wounds  and  blood 
Difcharg'd  both  law  and  juftice'  fcore  ; 

Hence  with  the  debt  of  gratitude 
I'll  charge  myfelf  for  evermore. 

SECT.      IT. 

The   Harmony  between  jufiipcatioti  and  fa?2{iipct!.tiau.. 

H  E  who  me  decks  with  righteoufnefs, 

With  grace  will  alfo  clothe  ; 
For  glorious  Jefus  came  to  blefs 

By  blood  and  water  both. 

That  in  his  righteoufnefs  1  truftf 
My  fandtity  will  (hew  ; 


g J4  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI 

Though  graces  cannot  make  me  juft> 
They  (hew  me  to  be  fo. 

All  thofe  who  freely  juftify'd 

Are  of  the  pardon'd  race, 
Anon  are  alfo  fanctify'd 

And  purify'd  by  grace. 

Where  jnftice  ftern  does  juftify* 

There  hoiinefs  is  clear'd  ; 
Heav'n's  equity  and  fan&ity 

Can  never  be  fever'd. 

Hence,  when  my  foul  with  pardon  deck'd? 

Perceives  no  divine  ire, 
Then  hoiinefs  I  do  affec't 

With  paffionate  defire. 

His  justifying  grace  is  fuch 

As  wafts  my  foul  to  heav'n  : 
I  cannot  choofe  but  love  him  much, 

Who  much  has  me  forgiv'n. 

The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  bring$ 

Kemiffion  in  his  rays, 
The  healing  in  his  golden  wings 

Of  lioht  and  heat  conveys. 

Where-ever  Jefus  is  a  Prieft, 

There  will  he  be  a  King  ; 
He  that  affoils  from  fin's  arre.ft, 

Won't  tolerate  its  reign. 

The  title  of  a  precious  grace 

To  faith  may  jullly  fail, 
Becaufe  its  open  arms  embrace 

A  precious  Chriit  for  all. 

From  precious  faith  a  precious  ftrifc 
Of  precious  virtues  flow  j 


Chap.  III.         The  Believer's  Principles. 

A  precious  heart,  a  precious  life, 
And  precious  duties  too. 

Whenever  faith  does  juftify, 
It  purifies  the  heart  \ 

The  pardon  and  the  purity- 
Join  hands  and  never  part. 

The  happy  ftate  of  pardon  doth 

An  holy  life  infer: 
In  fubje&s  capable  of  both 

They  never  funder'd  were. 

Yet  in  defence  of  truth  mufl  we 

Diftinctly  view  the  twain  : 
That  how  they  differ,  how  agree, 
We  may  in  truth  maintain. 

Two  natures  in  one  perfon  dwell, 

Which  no  divifion  know, 
In  our  renown'd  Immanuel, 

Without  confufion  too. 

Thofe  that  divide  them  grofsly  err, 
Though  yet  diftin&  they  be : 

Thofe  who  confufion  hence  infer, 
Imagine  blafphemy. 

Thus  righteoufnefs  and  grace  we  mufl: 
Nor  (under  nor  confQiind  ; 

Elfe  holy  peace  to  us  is  loft, 
And  facred  truth  we  wound. 

While  we  their  proper  place  maintain, 
In  friendfhip  fweet  they  dwell; 

But  or  to  part  or  blend  the  twain, 
Are  errors  batch'd  in  hell." 

To  feparate  what  God  does  join, 
Is  wicked  and  profane  y 


35* 


356  Gospel  Sonnets,         Part  VI. 

To  mix  and  mutilate  his  coin, 
Is  damnable  and  vain* 

Though  plain  diftin&ion  muft  take  plaee  ; 

Yet  no  divifion  here, 
Nor  dark  confufion,  elfe  the  grace 

Of  both  will  difappear. 

Lo  !   errors'grofs  on  ev'ry  fide 

Confpire  to  hurt  and  wound  ; 
Antinomies  do  them  divide, 

And  legalifts  confound. 

CHAP.     IV. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 

Faith  and  Senfe, 

i.  Of  Faith  and  Senfe  natural. 

2.  Of  Faith  and  Senfe  fpiritual. 

3.  The  Harmony  and  Difcord  between  Faith  and  Senfe. 

4.  The  Valour  and  Victories  of  Faith. 

5.  The  Heights  and  Depths  of  Senfe. 

6.  Faith  and  Frames  compared  ;   or  Faith  building  up- 

on Senfe  difcovered. 

SECT.     IV. 

Faith  an^  Senfe  natural,    compared   and  diftmguifneih 

WHE  N   Abram's  body,   Sarah's  womb, 
Were  ripe  for  nothing  but  the  tomb, 
Exceeding  old,   and  wholly  dead, 
Unlike  to  bear  the  promised  ht(S  : 

Faith  faid,   "  I  /hail  an  Ifaac  fee  ;" 
"  No,  no/'  faid  fenfe,   *f  it  cannot  be;r 
Blind  realbn  to  augment  the  ftrifc, 
Adds.,  "  How  can  death  engender  life?'* 


Chap.  IV.         The  Believer's  Principles.  257 

My  heart  is  like  a  rotten  tomb, 
More  dead  than  ever  Sarah's  womb; 
O  !  can  the  promis'd  feed  of  grace 
Spring  forth  of  iuch  a  barren  place  ? 

Senfe  gazing  but  on  flinty  rocks, 
My  hope  and  expectation  chokes : 
But  could  I,  (kill'd  in  Abnun's  art, 
Overlook  my  dead  and  barren  heart  ; 

And  build  my  hope  on  nothing  lefs 
Than  divine  pow'r  and  fairhfuluefs j 
Soon  would  I  find  him  raife  up  fojis 
ToAbram,   out  of  rocks  and  ftones. 

Faith  acts  as  bufy  boatmen  do, 
Who  backward  look  and  forward  rov; 
It  looks  intent  to  things  unfeen, 
Thinks  objects  viflble  too  mean. 

Senfe  thinks  it  madr.efs  thus  to  freer, 
And  only  trufts  its  eye  and  ear  ; 
Into  faith's  boat  dare  thruil  its  oar, 
And  put  it  further  from  the  fnore. 

Faith  does  alone  the  promife  eye  ; 
Senfe  won't  believe  unlefs  it  fee  ; 
Nor  can  it  truft  the  divine  guide, 
Unlefs  it  have  both  wind  and  tide. 

Faith  thinks  the  promife  fare  and  good  ; 
Senfe  doth  depend  on  likelihood  ; 
Faith  ev'n  in  dorms  believes  the  feers ; 
Senfe  calls  all  men,  ev'n  prophets,  liar?. 

Faith  ufes  means,  but  refts  on  none  ; 
Senfe  fails  when  outward  1  leans  are  gone, 
Trufts  more  on  probabilities, 
Than  all  the  divine  prethffi 


353 


Gospel   Sonnets. 


Part  VL 


It  refts  upon  the  rufty  beam 
Of  outward  things  that  hopeful  feem  ; 
Let  thefe  its  fupports  fink  or  ceafe, 
No  promife  then  can  yield  to  peace. 

True  faith  that's  of  a  divine  brood, 
Confults  not  bafe  with  fiefh  and  blood ; 
But  carnal  fenfe,   which  ever  errs, 
With  carnal  reafon  {till  confers. 

What  !    won't  my  difciples believe 
That  I  am  rifen  from  the  grave  f 
Why  will  they  pore  on  duir.  and  death. 
And  overlook  my  quick'ning  breath  ? 

Why  do  they  flight  the  word  I  fpake  ? 
And  rather  forry  counfcl  take 
With  death,  and  with  a  powerful  grave, 
If  they  their  captive  can  relieve  ? 

Senfe  does  inquire  if  tombs  of  clay 
Can  fend  their  guelts  alive  away  ; 
Bnr  faith  will  hear  Jehovah's  word, 
Of  life  and  death  the  fov'reign  Lord. 

Should  I  give  ear  to  rotten  dull, 
Or  to  the  tombs  confine  my  truft  ; 
No  refurreclion  can  I  fee, 
For  dull  that  flies  into  min*  eye. 

What !   Thomas*,  can't  thou  truft:  fo  much 
To  me  as  to  thy  fight  and  touch? 
Won't  thou  believe  till  fenfe  be  guide, 
And  thruft  its  hand  into  my  fide  I 

Where  is  thy  faith  if  it  depends 
On  nothing  but  t\y  finger-ends  ? 
But  blelVd  are  they  the  truth  who  feal 
By  faith,  yet  never  fee  nor  fee!. 


CUp.  IV.        The  Believer's  Principles.  35$ 

SECT.     II. 

Faith  and  Senfe  Spiritual,  compared  and  diftinguifhed. 
Alfo  the  Difference  between  the  Aflurar.ce  of  Faith, 
and  the  AfTurance  of  Senfe. 

THE  certainty  of  faith  and  fenfe 
Wide  differ  in  experience  : 
Faith  builds  upon,  i  Thus  faith  the  Lord  \ 
Senfe  views  his  nvork,  and  not  his  word* 

God's  word  without  is  faith's  reforr, 

His  work  within  cloth  fenfe  fupport. 

By  faith  we  truft  him  without  *  pawns,  *  Pledges, 

By  fenfe  we  handle  with  our  lunds. 

By  faith  the  word  of  truth's  receiv'd, 
By  fenfe  we  know  we  have  beiiev'd. 
Faith's  certain  by  fiducial  aels, 
Senfe  by  its  evidential  facl?. 

Faith  credits  the  divine  report, 
Senfe  to  his  breathings  makes  refort : 
That  on  his  word  of  grace  will  hing, 
This  on  his  Spirit  witnefling. 

By  faith  I  take  the  Lord  for  mine, 
By  ievA'e  I  feel  his  love  divine  ; 
By  that  I  touch  his  garment's  hem, 
By  this  find  virtue  thence  to  ftream. 

By  fajth  I  have  mine  all  on  band, 
By  fenfe  1  have  fome  ftock  in  hand  a 
By  that  fome  vilion  is  begun, 
By  this  I  fome  fruition  win. 

My  faith  can  live  ev'n  in  exile, 
Senfe  cannot  live  without  a  fmile. 
By  faith  I  to  his  proroife  fly^ 
By  fenfe  I  in  his  bofom  lie, 


5  jo 


Gospel  S  o  :»•  >;  e  t  s. 


Part  VI 


Faith  builds  upon  the  truth  of  God, 
That  lies  within  the  promife  broad  ; 
But  fenfe  upon  the  truth  of  grace 
His  hand  within  my  heart  did  place. 

Thus  Chrift's  the  cbjecl:  faith  will  eye, 
And  faith's  the  objecl  fenfe  may  fee  : 
Faith  keeps  the  truth  of  God  in  view, 
While  fenfe  the  truth  of  faith  ipav  iftew. 

Kence  faith's  a dura nee  firm  can  ftand, 
When  fenfe's  in  tW  deep  may  11  rand  ^ 
And  faith's  perfuafion  fuli  prevail, 
When  comfortable  fenfe  may  fail. 

I  am  affar'd  when  faith's  in  aft, 

Though  fenfe  and  feeling  both  I  lacr  ; 
And  thus  myfterious  is  nvy  lot, 
I'm  ofr  afTur'd  when  1  am  not  ; 

Ofc  pierc'd  with  racking  doubts  and  fears  \ 
Yet  faith  thefe  brambles  never  bears  ; 
But  unbelief  that  curs  my  breath, 
And  Hops  the  language  of  my  faith. 

Clamours  of  unbelieving  feats. 
So  frequently  difcurb  mine  ears, 
1  cannot  hear  what  faith  would  fay, 
Till  once  the  noify  clamours  ftaj 

And  then  will  frefh  experience  &&&, 
When  faith  gets  \cci\'e  Ife  min 

The  native  language  w         of  >s 
"  My  Lord  is  mine,  at.d  I  am  hi 

Sad  doubting  compafs  me  about, 
Yet  faith  itfeif  could  never  c        t  ; 
Ycr>   as  the  facred  volume  faith, 
Much  doubting  argues  little  faith 


tap.  IV.         Tbe  Btlfcvtf**  Principles.  361 

The  doubts  and  fears  that  work  my  griefi 
Flow  not  from  faith,  biu  unbelief  ; 
For  faith,  whene'er  it  acleth,  cures 
The  plague  of  doubts,  and  me  allures. 

But  when  mine  eye  of  faith's  afleep, 
I  dream  of  drowning  in  the  deep  : 
But  as  befah  the  fleeping  eye, 
Though  light  remain,  it  cannot  fee  ; 

The  feeing  faculty  abides, 
Though  fleeo  from  active  feeing  hides  ; 
So  faith's  a  {Turing  pow'rs  endure 
Ev'n  when  it  ceaies  to  allure. 

There's  (till  peifuafion  in  my  fai'1:, 
Ev'n  when  I'm  RUM  with  feats  of  wrath  ; 
The  crafting  habit  (till  remains, 
Though  (lumbers  hold*  the  acl  in  chains. 

Th'  affnring  faculty  it  keep?, 
i>'n  when  us  eye  m  darknef^  fleeps, 
Wrapt  up  in  doubts  ;   but  when  it  wakes, 
It  roufes  up  amaring  acTts. 

SECT.     III. 

The  Harmony  and  Difcord  between  Faith    and   Senfe ; 
how  they  help,  and  how  they  mar  each  other. 

T  HOUGH  gallant  faith  can  keep  the  field 
When  cow'rdly  fenfe  will  fly  or  yield  : 
Yet  while  I  view  their  ufual  path, 
Senfe  often  ftauds  and  falls  with  faith. 

Faith  ufhers  in  fweet  pence  and  joy, 
Which  further  heartens  faith's  employ  : 
Faith  like  the  head,  and  fenfe  the  heart, 
&Q  mutual  vigour  fiefh  impart. 


$(*2  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  yi. 

When  lively  faith  and  feeling  fweer, 
Like  dearetl  darlings,  kindly  meet, 
They  ftraight  each  other  help  and  hug 
In  loving  friendihip  clofe  and  fnug. 

Faith  gives  to  fenfe  both  life  and  breath, 
And  fenfe  gives  joy  and  ftrength  to  faith  ; 
•'  O  now,  fays  faith,  how  fond  do  I 
"  in  fenfe's  glowing  bofom  lie  !" 

Their  mutual  kindnefs  then  is  fuch, 
That  oft  they  doting  too  too  much, 
Embrace  each  other  out  of  breath  ; 
As  iEfophugg'd  his  child  to  death. 

Faith  leaping  into  fenfe's  arms, 
AUui'd  with  her  bewitched  charms, 
In  hugging  thefe,  lets  raihly  flip 
The  proper  object  of  its  grip  ; 

Which  being  loft,   behold  the  thrall  1 
Anon  faith  lofes  fenfe  and  all  ; 
Thus  unawares  cuts  fenfe's  breath, 
While  fenfe  trips  up  the  heels  of  faith. 

Her  charms  affuming  Jefus*  place, 
While  faith's  luii'd  in  her  Cbtt  embrace  ; 
Lo  !  foon  in  dying  pleafures  wrapt,   . 
Its  living  joy  away  is  fnapt. 

SECT.     IV. 

The  Valour  and  Victories  of  Faith 

5  Y  faith  I  un Teen  Beings  fee 

Forth  lower  beings  call. 
And  fay  to  nothing,  Let  it  be, 

And  nothing  hatches  all. 

Bv  faith  I  know  the  worlds  where  made. 
By  God's  great  word  of  mieht  ; 


Chap.  IV.         The  Believer  s  Principles.  363 

How  loon,  Let  there  be  light,  he  faid., 
That  moment  there  was  light. 

By  faith  I  (bar  and  force  my  flight, 

Through  all  the  clouds  of  fenfe  ; 
1  fee  the  glories  out  of  fight. 

With  brighteft  evidence. 

By  faith  I  mount  the  azure  Iky, 

And  from  the  lofty  fphere, 
The  earth  a  little  mott  eipy, 

Unworthy  of  my  care. 

By  faith  I  fee  the  unfeen  things, 

Hid  from  all  mortal  eyes ; 
Proud  reafon  it;  etching  all  its  wing?, 

Beneath  me  flutt'ring  lies. 

By  faith  I  build  my  lading  hope 

On  righteoufnefs  divine  ; 
Nor  can  1  fink  with  fuch  a  prop, 

Whatever  ltorms  combine. 

By  faith  my  works,  my  right  eoufnefs, 

And  duties  all  I  own 
But  lofs  and  dung  j   and  lay  my  ftrefs 

On  what  my  Lord  has  done. 

By  faith  I  overcome  the  world, 

And  all  its  hurtful  charms  ; 
I'm  in  the  heav'nlv  chariot  hurl'd 

Through  all  oppofing  harms. 

By  faith  I  have  a  conqu'rinrr  pow'r 

To  tread  upon  my  foes, 
To  triumph  in  a  dying  hour, 

And  banifli  all  my  woes. 

By  faith  in  midft  of  wrongs  I'm  right; 
in  fad  decays  I  thrift 


*  > 


364  Gospel   Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

In  weaknefs  I  am  ftrong  in  might, 
In  death  I  am  alive. 

By  faith  I  (land  when  deep  I  fall, 

In  darknefs  I  have  light ; 
Nor  dare  I  doubt  and  queftion  all 

When  all  is  out  of  light. 

By  faith  I  truft  a  pardon  free, 

Which  puzzles  flefh  and  blood  ; 
To  think  that  God  can  juitify, 

Where  yzi  he  fees  no  good. 

By  faith  I  keep  my  Lord's  commands, 

To  verify  my  truft  ; 
I  purify  my  heart  and  hands, 

And  mortify  my  luft. 

3y  faith  my  melting  foul  repent.-;, 

When  pierced  Chrift  appears ; 
My  heart  in  grateful  praiies  vents, 

Mine  eyes  in  joyful  tear-. 

By  faith  I  can  the  mountains  vaft 

Of  Go  and  guilt  remove  ; 
And  them  into  tfce  ocean  caft, 

The  fea  of  blood  and  love. 

By  faith  I  fee  Jehovah  high 

Upon  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
I  fee  him  lay  his  vengeance  by, 

Anl  fmiie  in  Jems'  face. 

By  faith  I  hope  to  fee  the  Sufi, 

The  light  of  grace  that  lent ; 
His  everlafting  circles  run, 

In  glory's  firmament. 

By  faith  I'm  more  than  conqueror, 
Ev'n  though  I  nothing  can  ; 

U  2 


Chap.  IV.        The  Believer's  Principles.  jfi ; 

Becaufe  I  fct  Jehovah's  pow'r 
Behind  me  in  the  van. 

By  faith  I  counter  plot  my  foes, 

Nor  need  their  ambufli  fear  ; 
Becaufe  my  life-guard  alio  goes 

Before  me  in  the  rear. 

By  faith  I  walk,  I  run,  I  fly, 

By  faith  I  fuffer  thrall ; 
By  faith  I'm  fit  to  livfc  and  die, 

Bv  faith  I  can  do  ail. 

SECT.     V. 

T\:e  Heights  and  Depths  of  Senie. 

WHEN  heav'n  me  grants,  at  certain  times^ 

Amidft  a  pqw'rful  gale, 
Sweet  liberty  to  moan  my  crimes, 

And  wand'rir.gs  to  bewail; 

Then  do  I  drears  my  fmful  broody 

Drown'd  in  the  ocean  main 
Of  cryftal  tears  and  crimfon  blood, 

Will  never  live  again. 

!  get  my  foes  beneath  my  feet, 

I  hauife  the  ferpem's  head  ; 
I  hope  the  vicVry  is  complete, 

And  all  my  lulls  are  dead. 

How  gladly  do  1  think  and  fay, 

When  thus  it  is  With  me, 
Sin  to  my  fenfe  is  clean  away, 

And  fo  (hall  ever  be. 

Bur,  ah!   alas!  th'  enfaing  hour 

My  lulls  arife  and  fweil, 
They  rage  and  reinforce  their  pcwV; 

With  new  recruits  from  hell. 


366  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI- 

Though  I  refolvM  and  fwore,  through  grace, 

In  very  folemn  terms, 
I  never  fhould  my  lufts  embrace, 

Nor  yield  unto  their  charms ; 

Yet  fuch  deceitful  friends  they  are, 

While  I  no  danger  dream, 
I'm  fnar'd  before  I  am  aware, 

And  hurry'd  down  the  ftream. 

Into  the  gulph  cf  Cm  anon, 

I'm  plunged  head  and  ears ; 
Grace  to  my  fenfe  is  wholly  gone, 

And  I  am  chaln'd  in  fears  ; 

Till  ftraight  my  Lord  with  fweet  furprife 

Returns  to  loofe  my  bands, 
With  kind  compaffion  in  his  eyes, 

And  pardon  in  his  hands. 

Yet  thus  my  life  is  nothing  elfe 

Bin  heav'n  and  hell  by  turns  ; 
My  foul,  that  now  in  Gofhen  dwells, 

Anon  in  Egypt  mourns. 

SECT.     VI. 

Faith  and  Frames  compared;    or,  Faith  building  upon 

Scnfe  difcovered. 

FAITH  has  for  its  foundation  broad 

A  liable  rock  on  which  I  (land, 
The  truth  and  faithfulnefs  of  God, 

All  other  grounds  are  finking  fand. 

My  frames  and  feelings  ebb  and  flow  ; 

And  when  my  faith  depends. on  them, 
It  fleets  and  daggers  to  and  fro, 

And  dies  amid'l  the  dying  frame. 


Chap.  IV.        The  Believer  s  Principle s.  367 

That  faith  is  furely  mod  unftay'd, 

Its  ftagg'ring  can't  be  counted  ftrange, 

That  builds  its  hope  of  lading  aid 

On  things  that  every  moment  change. 

But  could  my  faith  lay  all  its  load 

On  Jefus*  everlafting  name, 
Upon  the  righteoufnefs  of  God, 

And  divine  truth  that's  ftill  the  Came: 

Could  I  believe  what  God  has  fpoke, 

Rely  on  his  unchanging  love, 
Afld  ceafe  to  grafp  at  fleeting  fmoke, 

No  changes  would  my  mountain  move. 

But  when,  how  foon  the  frame's  away, 

And  comfortable  feelings  fail  ; 
So  foon  my  faith  falls  in  decay, 

And  unbelieving  doubts  prevail  : 

This  proves  the  charge  of  latent  vice, 
And  plain  my  faith's  defects  may  Jhow  ; 

I  built  the  houfe  on  thawing  ice, 

That  tumbles  with  the  melting  fnow. 

When  divine  fmiles  in  fight  appear, 

And  I  enjoy  the  heav'nly  gale  ; 
When  wind  and  tide  and  all  is  fair, 

I  dream  my  faith  (hall  never  fail: 

My  heart  with  falfe  conclufions  <Jraw, 
That  ftrong  my  mountain  (hall  remain  j 

That  in  my  faith  there  is  no  flaw, 
1*11  never  never  doubt  again. 

J -think  the  only  reft  1  take, 

Is  God's  unfading  word  and  name  ; 

And  fancy  not  my  faith  fo  weak, 
As  e'er  to  truft  a  fading  frame. 


368  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI 

Eur  ah  !  what  fud  den  turns  I  fee 

My  lying  heart's  fallacious  guilt, 
And  that  my  faith  not  firm  in  me, 

On  finking  (and  was  partly  buik  : 

For,  lo  i  when  warming  beams  are  gone? 

And  fhadows  fall  i   alas,  'tis  odd, 
I  cannot  wait  the  rifing  Sun, 

I  cannot  trufi  a  hiding  God. 

So  much  my  faith's  affiance  fesras 
Its  life  from  fading  joys  to  bring, 

That  when  1  loofe  the  dying  ftrcams, 
1  cannot  truft  the  living  fpring. 

When  drops  of  comfort  quickly  dry'd, 

And  fenfible  enjoyments  fail : 
When  cheering  apples  are  deny'd, 

Then  doubts  inflead  of  faith  prevail. 

But  why,  though  fruit  he  fnatch'd  from  me# 
Should  I  diftruft  the  glorious  Root ; 

And  ftill  affront  the  Handing  Tree, 
By  trufting  more  to  falling  fruit  ? 

The  fmalleft  trials  may  evince 
My  faith  unfit  to  (land  the  fhock, 

That  mere  depends  on  fleeting  fenfe, 
Than  on  the  nVd  eternal  Rock. 

The  fafeft  ark  when  floods  arlfe, 

Is  (table  truth  that  changes  not  : 
How  weak's  my  faith,  that  more  relies 

On  feeble  fenfe's  floating  boat  ? 

For  when  the  fleeting  frame  is  gone, 
I  ftraight  my  (late  in  queftion  call ; 

I  droop  and  fink  in  deeps  anon, 
As  if  my  frame  were  all  in  all, 


Chap.  IV.        The  Believer's  Principles.  -69 

Bin  though  I  mifs  the  pleafing  gale, 

And  Heav'n  withdraw  the  charming  glance  ; 

Unlefs  Jehovah's  oath  can  fail, 
My  taith  may  keep  its  countenance. 

The  frame  of  nature  (hall  decay, 

Time-changes  break  her  nifty  chains ; 

Yea,  heav'n  and  earth  ftlalj  pafs  away  ; 
But  faith's  foundation  firm  remains. 

HeavVs  promifes  fo  fix'diy  fland. 

IngravM  with  an  immortal  pen, 
In  great  Imtnanuel's  mighty  hand, 

Ail  hell's  attempts  to  raze  are  vain. 

Did  faith  with  none  but  truth  advife, 
My  fteady  foul  would  move  no  more, 

Than  (table  hills  when  tempefts  life, 
Or  folid  rocks  when  billows  roar. 

But  when  mv  faith  the  counfei  hears 

Of  prefent  lenfe  and  reaion  blind, 
My  wavVing  Ipirit  then  appears 

A  feather  tol's'd  with  ey'ry  wind. 

Lame  Idgs  of  faith  unequal  crook  : 

Thus  mine,   alas!   unevenly  (land. 
Elfe  1  won  id  truft  my  1  table  Rock, 

Not  fading  frames  and  feeble  iaac 

I  would,   when  dying  comforts  fly, 
As  much  as  when  thev  prefent  v.ere^ 

Upon  my  living  Joy  relv. 

Help,  Lotfd,  for  here  I  dailv  err. 


/ 


37©  Gospel    Sonnets.         Part  VI. 

CHAP.     V. 

The  Believer's  Principles  concerning 

Heaven  and  Earth. 

SECT.    I. 

The  Work  and  Contention  of  Heaven. 

IN  heav'nly  choirs  a  queftion  rofe, 
That  ftirr'd  up  ftrife  will  never  clofe* 
What  rank  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race 
Owes  higheft  praife  to  fov'reign  grace  ? 

Babes  thither  c.iusht  from  womb  and  breaftj 
Claim'd  right  to  fino-  above  the  reft  ; 
Becaufe  they  found  the  happy  fhore 
They  never  faw  nor  fought  before. 

Thofe  that  arriv'd  at  riper  age 
Before  they  left  the.  dufky  ft  age, 
Thought  grace  deferVd  yet  higher  praife^ 
That  wafh'd  the  blots  of  numerous  clays. 

Anon  the  war  more  clofe  began. 
What  praifing  harp  {hould  lead  the  van  ? 
And  wh'rch  of  grace's  heav'nly  peers 
Was  deepeft  run  in  her  arrears  ? 

• 

a  * Tis  I  (faid  one),   'bove  all  my  race, 
*  Am  debtor  chief  to  glorious  grace." 
u  Nay,   (faid  another),  hark,    1  trow, 
<c  I'm  more  oblig'd  to  grace  than  you." 

"  Scay,   (faid  a  third,)   I  deepeft  (hare 
4<  In  owing  praife  beyond  Compare  : 
u  The  chief  of  Tinners,  you'll  allow, 
Mil  be  the  chief  of  fitigera  now.' 


a 


Chap.  V.  The  Believer's  Principles*  37  i 

"  Hold,    (laid  a  fourth),  I  here  proteft 
u  My  praifes  muft  outvie  the  bed  ; 
u  For  I'm  of  all  the  human  race 
•r  The  higheft  miracle  of  grace." 

u  Stop,   (faid  a  fifth,)  thefe  notes  forbear, 
M  Lo,  I'm  the  greatett  wonder  here  ; 
u  For  I  of  all  the  race  that  fell, 
"  Deferv'd  the  loweft  place  in  hell/' 

A  foul  that  higher  yet  afpir'd, 

With  equal  love  to  Jefus  fir'd, 

u  'Tts  mine  to  fing  the  higheft  notes 

•'  To  love,  that  wafii'd  the  fouleft  blots." 

%t  Ho,  (cry'd  a  mate),  'tis  mine  I'll  prove* 

11  Who  flnn'd  in  fpite  of  light  and  love, 

<c  To  found  his  praife  with  loudcft  bell, 

%t  That  fav'd  me  from  the  loweft  hell.  ' 

€<  Come,  come,   (faid  one),    I'll  hold  the  plea, 
%i  That  higheft  praife  is  due  fey  me  ; 
t€  For  mine,  of  all  the  fav'd  by  grace, 
u  Was  the  moil  dreadful,  defp'rare  cafe." 

Another  rifing  at  his  fide, 

As  fond  to  praife,  and  free  of  pride, 

Cry'd,   u  Pray  give  place,  for  1  defy, 

That  you  fttoold  owe  more  praife  than  I  : 

I'll  yield  to  none  in  this  debate  ; 

I'm  run  fo  deep  in  grace's  debt, 
u  That  fure  I  am,   1  boldly  can 
u  Compare  with  all  the  i  eav'nly  clan.'* 

Quick  o'er  their  heads  a  trump  awoke, 
Your  fongs  my  very  heart  have  {poke  ; 
But  cv'ry  no:  2  you  here  propale, 
Belongs  to  me  beyond  you  all," 


1 


u 
u 


a 

€4 


<c 
« 


372  Gospel   Sonnets. 

The  lifVning  millions  round  about 
With  fweec  refentment  loudly  fhout; 
What  voice  is  this,  comparing  note?, 
That  to  their  fong  chief  place  allots  .? 

We  can't  allow  of  fuch  a  found, 
That  you  alone  have  higheft  ground 
To  fing  the  royalties  of  grace  ; 
We  claim  the  fame  adoring  place. 

What !  will  no  rival-finger  yield  I 
He  has  a  match  upon  the  field  ? 
Come,  then,  and  let  us  all  agree 
To  praife  upon  the  highefl:  key. 

Then  jointly  all  the  harpers  round 
In  mind  unite  with  folcmn  found, 
And  flrokes  upon  the  higheft  ft  ring, 
Made  all  the  heavily  arches  ring  : 

King  loud  with  hallelujah's  high, 

To  him  that  fern  his  Son  to  die  ; 

And  to  the  worthy  Lamb  of  God, 

'  That  lov'd  and  wafh'd  them  in  his  blood." 

Free  grace  was  fov'reign  emprefs  crov/nd 
In  pomp,  with  joyful  fhouts  around  : 
Alliiling  angels  clapp'd  their  wings, 
And  founded  grace  on  all  their  ftrings. 

The  emulation  round  the  throne 
Made  prottrate  hofts  (who  ev'ry  one 
The  humbleft  place  their  right  avow} 
Strive  isako  should  give  ths  lo<vSfi  bo*i>. 

The  next  contention,  without  vice, 
Among  the  birds  of  peradife, 
Made  every  glorious  warbling  throat 
Strive  who  should  r&ife  the  bivheft  nc 


Part  VL 


Chap.  V.         The  Believer's  Principles.  373 

Thus  in  fweet  holy  humble  ftrife, 
Along  their  endlefs,  joyful  life 
Of  Jefus  all  the  harpers  rove, 
And  ling  the  wonders  of  his  love. 

Their  difcord  makes  them  all  unite 
In  raptures  moft  divinely  fweet  ; 
So  great  the  fong,  fo  grave  the  bafe, 
Melodious  mufic  fills  the  place- 

SECT.     II. 

Earth  defpicable,  Heaven  defir-ble. 

THERE's  nothing  round  the  fpacious  earth 

To  foil  my  vaft  de(ires  ; 
To  more  rcnVd  and  folid  mirth 

My  boundlefs  thought  afpires. 

Fain  would  I  leave  this  mournful  place, 

This  mufic  dull,  where  none 
But  heavy  notes  have  any  grace, 

And  mirth  accents  the  moan. 

Where  troubles  tread  upon  reliefs, 

New  woes  with  older  blend  ; 
Where  rolling  ftorms  and  circling  griefs 

Run  round  without  an  end  : 

Where  waters  wreftling  with  the  -.(tones, 

Do  fight  themielves  to  foam, 
And  hollow  clouds  with  thund'ring  groans 

Difchirge  their  pregnant  womb  : 

Where  eagles  mounting  meet  with  rubs 

That  dafh  them  from  the  Iky  : 
And  cedars,  fhrinking  into  (hrubs, 

In  ruin  proilrate  lie  : 

U 


• 


74 


Go  spel    Sonnets. 


Part  VI. 


Where  fin,  the  author  of  turmoils, 

Tiie  caufe  of  death  and  hell, 
The  one  thing  foul  that  all  things  foil?, 

Does  moll  befriended  dwell. 

The  purcbafer  of  night  and  woe, 

The  forfeiter  of  day, 
The  debt  that  ev'ry  man  did  owe, 

But  only  God  could  pay. 

Bewitching  ill,  indors'd  with  hope, 

Subfcribed  with  defpair : 
Ugly  in  death,  when  eyes  are  ope, 

Though  life  may  paint  it  fair. 

Small  wonder  that  I  droop  alone 

In  fuch  a  doleful  place  : 
When  lo,  my  deareil  friend  is  gone 

My  father  hides  his  face. 

And  though  in  words  I  feem  to  flioW 

The  fawning  poet's  (Vile, 
Yet  is  my  plaint  no  feigned  woe  ; 

I  languifh  in  exile. 

I  long  to  (hare  the  hnppinefs 

Of  that  triumphant  throng, 
That  fwim  in  leas  of  boundlefs  hlifs 

Eternity  along. 

When  but  in  drops  here  by  the  way 

Free  love  diftils  itielf, 
I  pour  contempt  on  hills  of  prey, 

And  heaps  of  wordly  pelf. 

To  mearnidft  my  little  joys, 

Thrones,  fceptres,  crown?,  and  kings, 
Are  nothing  elfe  but  little  leys, 

And  deipicable  things. 


hap.  V.  The  Belt over's  Principles*  375 

Down  with  difclain  earth's  pomp  I  thruft, 

Bid  tempting  wealth  away  : 
Heav'n  is  not  made  of  yellow  duft, 

Nor  blifs  of  glitt 'ring  clay. 

Sweet  was  the  hour  I  freedom  felt 

To  call  my  Jems  mine  ;  • 

To  fee  his  fmiling  face,  and  melt 
In  pleafures  all  divine. 

Let  fools  an  heav'n  of  {hades  purfue; 

But  I  for  fubftance  am  : 
The  heav'n  I  feek  is  likenefs  to, 

And  vifion  of  the  Lamb  : 

The  worthy  Lamb  with  glory  crown'd 

In  his  auguft  abode ; 
Enthroned  iublime,  and  deck'd  around 

With  all  the  pomp  of  God. 

I  long  to  join  the  faints  above, 
Who,  crown'd  with  glorious  bays, 

Through  radiant  files  of  angels  move, 
And  rival  them  in  praife  : 

In  praife  to  J  ah,  the  God  of  love, 

The  fair  incarnate  Son, 
The  holy  co-eternal  Dove, 

The  good,  the  great  Three-One* 

In  hope  to  fing  without  a  fob, 

The  anthem  ever  new, 
I  gladly  bid  the  dufty  globe, 

And  vain  delights,  Adieu* 


The  following  Poem,  the  Second  Part  of 
which  was  wrote  by  Mr.  Erfkine,  is 
here  inferted,  as  a  proper  Subjeft  of 
Meditation  to  fmokers  of  Tobacco. 


Smoking  Spiritualized. 

In    TWO     PARTS. 

The  firft  Part  being  an  old  Meditation  upon  fmoking 
Tobacce ;  the  fecond  a  new  Addition  to  it3  or  Im- 
provement of  it. 


T 


PARTI. 

HIS  Indian  weed  now  wither'd  quite, 
Though  green  at  noon,  cut  down  at  nighty 
Shows  thy  decay  ; 
All  flefh  is  hay. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

The  pipe,  fo  lily-like  and  weak, 
Does  thus  thy  mortal  (late  befpeaka 

Thou  art  ev'n  fuch, 

Gone  with  a  touch. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

And  when  the  fmoke  afcend*  on  high> 
Then  thou  behold'ft  the  vanity 
1  Of  worldly  ftuff, 

Gone  with  a  puff. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

And  when  the  pipe  grows  foul  within, 
Think  on  thy  foul  denTd  with  fin ; 
For  then  the  fire 
It  does  require. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 


Smoking  Spiritualizes. 

And  fecft  the  afhes  caft  away  ; 
Then  to  thyfelf  thou  mayeft  fay, 

That  to  the  duft 

Return  thou  mud. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco, 

PART     IT. 

Was  this  fmail  plant  for  thee  cut  down  ? 
So  was  the  Phnt  of  great  Renown ; 

Which  mercy  fends 

For  nobler  ends. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco, 

Doth  juice  medicinal  proceed 
From  fuch  a  naughty  foreign  weed  * 
Then  what's  the  pow'r 
Of  JefiVs  flow'r  ? 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco* 

The  promife,  like  the  pipe,  inlays 
And  by  the  mouth  of  faith  conveys 
What  virtue  flows 
From  Sharon's  Rofe. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco, 

Tn  vain  th3  unlighted  pipe  you  blow  ; 
Your  pains  in  outward  means  are  fo, 

Till  heav'nly  fire 

Your  heart  infpire. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

The  fmoke,  like  burning  incenfe,  tow're; 
So  mould  a  praying  heart  of  yours 

With  ardent  cries 

Surmount  the  fkies. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 


377 


F    I    N~    I    S. 


r  2 


»4p"~<*-»<>'"0'"*4>""<>""4tmm<>"m4>""4>"~*t"»<*»+<}"-4t""4*»~4b''-it'»»4)>- 


A  Table  of  the  Gospel  Sonnets. 


PART     I. 

The  Reliever's  Efpoufals. 

Pfagt 
REFACE,  z$ 

CHAP.  I.  A  general  account  of  man's  fall  in  Adam, 
and  the  remedy  provided  in  Chrift ;  and  a  parti- 
cular account  of  man's  being  naturally  wedded 
to  the  law  as  a  covenant  of  works,  26 

Sect.  i.  The  fall  of  Adam,  -  -  ik 

2.  Redemption  through  Chrift,  •  23 

3.  Man's  legal  difpofrtion,  -  -         3° 

4-  Man's  (hie*  attarchment  to  legal  terms,  or 

to  the  law  as  a  condition  of  life,  -  32 

5.  Man's  vain  attempt  to  feeklife  by  Chrift' s     • 

righteoufnefs,  joined  with  their  own  5  and  legal  hopes 

natural  to  all,  -  -  ,  r  '  t  $4 

CHAP.  II.  The  manner  of  a  finner's  divorce  from 
:  the  law  in  a  work  of  humiliation,  and  of  his  mar- 
riage to  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift;  or,  The  way  how 
a  fmner  comes  to  be  a  believer,  .  -  •  3& 

Sect.  i.  Of  a  law-work,  and  the  workings  of  legal 
pride  under  it,     *  -  »■  -  ik. 

2.  Conviction  of  fin  and  wrath  carried  on  more 

deeply  and  effectually  ©n  the  heart,  -  42 

■'■■■   3.  The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved,  with 
fome  faving  difcoveries  of  Chrift  the  Redeemer,  45 

•  4.  The  workings  of  the  Spirit  of  faith  in  fe- 

parating  the  heart  from  all  ielf-righte-oufnefs,  and 
drawing  out  its  confent  to,  and  defire  after  Chrift  a- 
lone  and  wholly,  -  -  47 

5.  Faith's  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace,  cor- 
dial renunciation  of  all  its  own  ragged  righteoufnefs, 
and  formal  acceptance  of  and  clcfmg  with  the  perfon 

of  glorious  Chrift,  -  *  5° 


The    TABLE.  379 

CHAP.  III.  The  fruits  of  the  believer's  marriage 
with  Chrilt,  particularly  gofpel-holinefs,  and  o- 
bedience  to  the  law  as  a  rule,  -  53 

Sect.  r.  The  fweet  folemnity  of  the  marriage  now 
over,  and  the  fad  effects  of  the  remains  of  a  legal  fpirit,  ib. 

'  2.  Faith's  victories  over  fin  and  Satan,  thro' 

new  and  further  difcoveries  of  Chrift,  making  believ- 
ers more  fruitful  in  holinefs,  than  aU  other  pretend- 
ers to  works,  -  -  '55 

3.  True  faving  faith  magnifying  the  law,  both 

as  a  covenant  &  rule.  Falfe  faith  unfruitful  Zc  ruining,  57 

-  4-  The  believer  only,  being  married  to  Chrift,     • 
is  juftified  and  fanctified ;  and  the  more  gofpel  free- 
dom from  the  law  as  a  covenant,  the  more  holy  con- 
formity to  it  as  a  rule,  -  -  61 
;   —  5.  Gofpel-grace  giving  no  liberty  to   (in,  but 

to  holy  fervice  and  pure  obedience,  -  64 

CHAP-  IV.  A  caution  to  all  againft  a  legal  fpirit,  e- 
fpecially  to  thole  that  have  a  profeflion  without 
power,  and  learning  without  grace,  65 

CHAP.  V.  Arguments  and  encouragements  to  gof- 
pel mihifters  to  avoid  a  legal  (train  of  doctrine, 
and  endeavour  the  finner's  match  with  Chrift  by 
gofpel-means,  69 

Sect.  i.  A  legal  fpirit  the  root  of  damnable  errors,  ib: 

• 2.  A  legal  drain  of  doctrine  difcovered  and 

difearded,  -  -  -  70 

3.  The  hurtfulnefs  of  not  preaching  Chrift, 

#*nd  diftingufhing  duly  between  law  and  gofpel,  72 

•  4-  Damnable  pride  and  felf-righteoumefs,  (o 

natural  to  all  men,  has  little  need  to  be  encouraged 
by  legal  preaching,  -  -  '74 

5.  The  gofpel  of  divine  grace  the  only  means 

of  converting  finners ;  and  therefore  mould  be  preach- 
ed moil  clearly,  fully,  and  freely,  .    •  77 

CHAP.  VI.  An  exhortation  to  all  that  are   out  of 
Chrift,  in  order  to  their  clofing  the  march  with 
him;  containing  alfo  motives  and  directions,         81 
Sect.  1.  Conviction  offered  to  finners,  efpecially  fuch 
are  wedded  ftrictly  to  the  law,  or  felf-righteous ;   that 
they  may  fee  their  need  of  Chrift's  righteoumefs,  ib, 

"     -■  2.  Direction  given  with  reference  to  the  right 


5^3  The    T  A  B  L  E. 

uie  of  the  means,  that  we  reft  not  on  theie  inftead 
of  Chrift  the  glorious  Hufband,  in  whom  alone  our 
help  lies,  -  85 

3*  A  ca^  to  believe  in  Jefus  Chrift,  with  fome 

hint  at  the  aft  and  object  of  faith,  -  89 

4.  An  advice  to  fmners  to  apply  to  the  fove- 

reign  grace  and  mercy  of  God,  as  it  is  difcovered  thro' 
Chrift,  to  the  higheft  honour  of  juftice  and  other  di- 
vine attributes,  in  order  to  further  their  faith  in  him 
unto  falvation,  -  -  91 

——  5.    The  terrible  doom  of  unbelievers  and  re- 
*  jecters  of  Chrift,  or  defpifers  of  the  goipelj  96, 

PART     II. 

The  Believer's  Johiiure. 

CHAP.  I.  Containing  the  privileges  of  the  believer 
that  is  efpoufed  to  Chrift  by  faith  of  divine  ope- 
ration, -  -  102 
Sect.  i.  The  believers  perfect,  beauty,  free  accep- 
tance, and  full  fecurity,   through  the  imputation  of 
Chrift' s  perfect  righteouihefs,  though  imparted  grace 
be  imperfect,                      -  il>. 

2.  Chrift  the  believer's  friend,  prophet,  prieft, 

king,  defence,  guide,  guard^  help,  and  healer,  i?4 

3-  Chrift  the  believers  wonderful  phyfician, 

and  wealthy  friend,  -  -  107 

!  4-  The  believer's  fafety  under  the  covert  of 

Chrift' s  atoning  blood,  and  powerful  interceftion,         109 

5.  The  believer's  faith  and  hope  encouraged 

even  in  the  darken:  nights  of  defertion  and  diitrefs,      112 

6.  Benefits  accruing  to  believers,  from  the 

offices,  names,  natures,  and  fufte rings  of  Chrift,        n4 

7.  Chrift' s   furTerings  further  improved,  and 

"believers  called  to  live  by  faith,  both  when  they  have 

and  want  fenfible  influences,  -  *  l  & 

8.  Chrift  the  believer's  enriching  treafure,     119 

9.  Chrift  the  believer's  adorning  garment,       123 


-10.  Chrift  the  believer's  fweet  nourilhment,    1  21 


CHAP.  II.  Containing  marks  and  characters  of  be- 
lievers in  Chrift;  together  with  fome  farther 
privilege's  and  grounds  of  comfort  to  faints,         123 


The    TABLE.  381 

Sect.  i.  Doubting  believers  called  to  examine  them- 
felves  by  marks  drawn  from  their  lo\*e  to  him  and  his 
prefence,  their  view  of  his  glory,  and  their  being  emp- 
tied of  felf-righteoufnefs,  &c.  -  I2J 

2.  Believers  defcribed  from  their  faith  acting 

by  divine  aid,  and  fleeing  quite  out  of  themfelves  to 
Jefus  Chrift,  -  -  -  1 26 

3-  Believers  characterized  by  the  objects  and 

purity  of  their  defire,  delight,  joy,  hatred,  and  love, 
difcovering  they  have  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  129 

4.  Believers  in  Chrift  affect  his  counfel,  word, 

ordinances,  appearance,    full  $jj/ffmcnt  in  heaven, 
and  fweet  prefence  here,  -  -  I  3* 

-  5.  The  true  believer's  humility,  dependence, 
zeal,  growth,  admiration  of  free  grace,  and  know^ 
ledge  of  Chrift's  voice,  -  -  133 

— *—  6.  True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and 
examined.  Alfo  comforts  arifmg  to  them  from  Chrifr/s 
ready  fupply,  real  fympathy,  and  relieving  names  fuit- 
ing  their  need,  -  -  1 3^ 

11  1  7«  The  believer's  experience  of  C.hrW*  com- 
fortable prefence,  or  of  former  comforts,  to  be  im- 
proved for  his  encouragement  and  fupport  under  hid- 
ings, -  -  -  139 

■  8.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  ftability  of 
the  promife,  notwithftanding  heavy  chaftifements  for 
fin,  -  -  142 

-  9.  Comfort  to  believers  from  ChrirVs  rela- 
tions, his  dying  love,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  which 
he  will  lead  them  through  death,  and  fupply  them 
with  all  neceiTaries  by  the  way,  -  144 

■  '  10.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  text,  Thy 
Maker  is  thy  Hufband,  inverted  thus,  Thy  Hufband 
is  thy  Maker;  and  the  conclufion  of  this  fubjed,         146 

PART     III. 

The  Believer* s  Riddle  ;  or,   The  Myftery  of  Faith. 

The  Preface,  fhewing  the  ufe  and  defign  of  the  riddle,  150 

Sect.  i.  The  myftery  of  the  faint's  pedigree,  and  e- 
fpecially  of  their  relation  to  Chrift' s  wonderful  perfon,  154 

2.  The  myftery  of  the  faints  life,  ftate,  and 

frame,  .  •  163 


382  The    TABLE. 

3.   Myfteries  about  the  faints  work  and  war^ 

fare;   their  fins,  forrows,  and  joys,  171 

4.  Myiteries  in  faith's  extra&ions,  way  and 

walk,  prayers  and  anfwers,  heights  and  depths,  fear 
and  love,  -  -  1 79 

1  5.  Myfteries  about  nefh  and  fpirit,  liberty  and 

bondage,  life  and  death,  -  19?, 

'  6.  The  myfterV  of  free  juftincation  through 

Chrift's  obedience  and  fatisfaction,  -  197 

7.  The  myilery  of  God  the  Jufiiner;  Rom.  iii- 

26.  juftified  both  in  his  juftifying  and  condemning; 

or  foul-juftification  and  ielf-condemnation,  224 

8.  The  myftery  of  fant5tifkation,  imperfeft  in 

this  life ;  or,  The  believer  doing  all,  and  doing  nothing, 212 

■  9*  The  myilery  of  various  names  given  to 

faints ;  or,  The  flerti  and  fpirit  defcribed  from  inani- 
mate things,  vegetables  and  fenfitives,  2 18 

10.  The  myftery  of  the  faints'  old  and  new 

man  further  defcribed,  and  the  means  of  their  fpiri- 
tuailife,  -  -  225 

■11.  The  myftery  of  Chrift,  his  names,  natures, 
and  offices,  -  -  233 

12.  The  myftery  of  the  believer's  fixed  ftate 
further  enlarged,  and  his  getting  good  out  of  evil,      241 

—  1  3.  The  myilery  of  the  faints'  adverfaries  and 
adverf.ties,  -  -  247 

—  14.  The  myftery  of  the  believer's  pardon  and 
fecurity  from  avenging  wrath,  notwithstanding  his 
fin's  defert,  -  -  253 

—  15.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  light,  261 
— — 16.  I.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  works,              265 

II.  And  of  rewards  of  grace  and  debt,         270 
The  cdnclufion,  -  273 

PART     IV. 

The  Believer's  Lodging. 

A  paraphrase  upon  Pfalm  lxxxiv.  -  275 

A  fourfold  exercife  for  the  believer  in  his  lodging,      282, 

1.  The  holy  law;  or,  The  ten  commandments,       ib. 

2.  The  unholy  heart,  the  re verfe  of  the  holy  law,  283 

3.  The  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift  the  remedy,  #• 

4.  The  prayer  of  faith  exemplified,  284 


The    TABLE. 
PART     V. 


38 


T$c  Believer  s  Soliloquy  ;  efpecially  in  times  of  defer- 
tiony  tcmptaiioiiy   afflittiony   &c\ 

Sect,  i.  The  deferted  believer  longing  for  perfect 
freedom  from  fin,  285 

— -  2.  The  deferted  believer's  prayer  under  com- 
plaints of  unbelief,  darknefs,  deadnefs,  and  hardnefs,  288 

—  3  The  believer  wading  through  depths  of  de- 
fertion  and  corruption,  -  290 

—  4-  Complaint  of  fin,  forrow,  and  want  of  love, 292 

5.  The  deferted  foul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's 

gracious  and  fin-fubduing  prefence,  295 

—  6.  The  fong  of  heaven  defired  by  faints  on 
earth,  -  297 

PART    vr. 

The  Believer's    Principles. 

CHAP-  I.  Concerning  creation  and  redemption ;  or^ 

Some  of  the  firft  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God,3°° 
Sect.  i.  Of  creation.     The  nrft  chapter  of  Genefis 
compendized,  -  -  ib. 

The  fum  of  creation,  -  -         302 

■         2.  Of  redemption.     The  myjjerv  of  the  Re- 
deemer's incarnation;  or,  God  manifefled  in  the  fiefn,  ib. 
The  fum  of  redemption,  3°3 

3.  The  Redeemer's  work ;  or,  Clirift  all  in 

all,  and  our  complete  redemption.  A  gofpel  catcchifm 
for  young  Chriftians,  ib. 

4.  Faith  and  works  both  excluded  from  our 

j unification  before  God,  that  redemption  may  appear 

to  be  only  in  Chrift,  -  309 

CHAP.  II.  Concerning  the  Uiv  and  the  gofpel)  312 

Sect.   i.  The  myftery  of  law  and  gofpel,  ib. 

2.  Their  difference,  -  -  328 

3.  Their  Harmony,  -  33 2 

■  4-  The  proper  place  and  Nation  of  lav/  and 

gofpel,  in  four  paragraphs,  33^ 


384  T  H  e    T  A  B  L  E. 

Paragraph  I.  The  place  and  flation  of  law  and 
gofpel  in  general,  336 

2.  The  place  and  Nation  of  law  and  gof- 

pel  in  particular,  337 

—  3.  The  gofpel  no  new  law;  but  a  joyful 
found  of  grace  and  mercy,  342 

■  4.  The  gofpel  further  defcribed,  as  a  * 

bundle  of  good  news  and  precious  promifes,  345 

CHAP.  III.  Concerning  juftif  cation  and  fan fit fi 'ca- 
tion, their  difference  and  harmony,  348 

Sect.  1.  The  difference  between  j unification  and 
fan&ification,  or  righteonfhefs  imputed  and  grace  im- 
parted ;  in  upwards  of  thirty  particulars,  ib. 

— —  2.  The  harmony  between  juftification  and 
fanctincation,  353 

CHAP.  IV.  Concerning  faith  and  fenfe.  356 

Sect.  r.  Faith  and  fenfe  natural  compared  and  dif- 
tinguifhed,  -  -  ib. 

—  2.  Faith  and  fenfe  fpiritual  compared  and  dif- 
tinguifhed,  359 

—  3.  The  harmony  and  difcord  between  faith 
and  and  fenfe,  361 

— —  4.  The  valour  and  victories  of  faith,  362 

5.  The  heights  and  depths  of  fenfe,         -        365 

—  6.  Faith  and  frames  compared,  or  faith  build- 
ing upon  fenfe  difcavered,  366 

CHAP.  V.  Concerning  heaven  and  earth y         -  373 

Sect.  r.  The  work  and  contention  of  heaven,  ib. 

2.  Earth  defpicable,  heaven  defirable,       -     373 

To  which  is  added, 
A  poem  on  fwoking  tobacco,  in  two  parts,  376 


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